Air Masses: Types and Characteristics — Passage
Air masses are large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity characteristics. They form over specific regions, such as oceans or deserts, and influence weather patterns when they move.
There are four main types of air masses:
- Maritime Tropical (mT): Warm and humid, forming over tropical oceans.
- Continental Tropical (cT): Hot and dry, forming over deserts.
- Maritime Polar (mP): Cool and moist, forming over cold oceans.
Continental Polar (cP): Cold and dry, forming over polar land areas.
Air masses are classified based on their source region (maritime or continental) and temperature (tropical or polar). When air masses move, they bring their weather characteristics with them. For example, a maritime tropical air mass can bring warm, humid weather and rain, while a continental polar air mass can bring cold, dry weather and snow.
The interaction of air masses is a key factor in weather changes. For instance, when a warm air mass meets a cold air mass, it can lead to storms or precipitation.
Fun fact: The largest air masses can cover millions of square miles and influence weather across entire continents!
What is an air mass?
A small area of air with varying temperaturesA large body of air with similar temperature and humidityA type of cloudA weather frontWhat are the two factors used to classify air masses?
Wind speed and directionSource region and temperatureHumidity and precipitationAir pressure and altitudeWhat type of air mass is warm and humid?
Maritime TropicalContinental TropicalMaritime PolarContinental PolarWhat type of air mass is cold and dry?
Maritime TropicalContinental TropicalMaritime PolarContinental PolarWhat weather does a maritime tropical air mass bring?
Warm and humid weather with rainCold and dry weather with snowHot and dry weatherCool and moist weatherWhat happens when a warm air mass meets a cold air mass?
The weather stays the sameIt can lead to storms or precipitationThe air masses cancel each other outThe temperature drops suddenlyWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Air masses can cover millions of square milesAir masses are always smallAir masses do not influence weatherAir masses only form over landWhat type of air mass forms over polar land areas?
Maritime TropicalContinental TropicalMaritime PolarContinental PolarRelated Content
