Types of Air Masses Affecting North America

The video explains the types of air masses affecting North America, focusing on their classification by moisture and temperature. Air masses are categorized as Continental (dry) or Marine (moist) based on their formation over land or water. Temperature classifications include Arctic (coldest), Polar (cold), and Tropic (warm). By combining these classifications, we identify air masses like Continental Arctic or Maritime Tropic. The video also discusses geographical locations where these air masses form, such as Northern Canada or the Gulf of Mexico.

What is an air mass?

• A large body of air with similar temperature throughout

• A type of wind pattern

• A small pocket of air with varying temperatures

• A cloud formation

How are air masses labeled?

• By their altitude and pressure

• By their speed and direction

• By their moisture content and temperature

• By their color and size

What is a Continental air mass?

• An air mass formed over water

• An air mass formed near the equator

• An air mass formed in the mountains

• An air mass formed over land

Which type of air mass is the coldest?

• Maritime

• Arctic

• Tropic

• Polar

What is a Maritime air mass?

• An air mass formed in the mountains

• An air mass formed in the desert

• An air mass formed over water

• An air mass formed over land

What type of air mass is dry and cold?

• Maritime Tropic

• Continental Arctic

• Maritime Polar

• Continental Polar

Where might a Continental Arctic air mass be formed?

• Over the ocean off the coast of New England

• Over Southern Canada

• Over Northern Canada

• Over the Gulf of Mexico

Where might a Maritime Polar air mass be formed?

• Over Northern United States

• Over the ocean off the coast of New England

• Over Mexico

• Over the Gulf of Mexico

Where might a Continental Tropic air mass be formed?

• Over the ocean off the coast of New England

• Over Southern Canada

• Over Northern Canada

• Over Mexico

What determines the qualities of air masses?

• Where they are formed

• Their altitude and pressure

• Their speed and direction

• Their color and size