Air Masses: Types and Characteristics — Passage and Quiz

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:

1. Maritime Tropical (mT): Warm and humid, forming over tropical oceans.
2. Continental Tropical (cT): Hot and dry, forming over deserts.
3. Maritime Polar (mP): Cool and moist, forming over cold oceans.

4. 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!