Science Conceptual Map: Four Types of Air Masses
Conceptual Map: Four Types of Air Masses
Air masses are large bodies of air with similar temperature and humidity characteristics that can greatly influence weather patterns.
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Impact on Weather of Different Regions
What are Air Masses?
Air masses are defined as large bodies of air that are characterized by similar temperatures and amounts of moisture at any given altitude.
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Formation of Air Masses
Air masses are formed when a large body of air over a particular area of the Earth's surface takes on the characteristics of the area. This can occur over bodies of water, polar regions, and various types of terrain.
Characteristics of Air Masses
Typically, air masses are categorized based on their temperature and humidity levels. This relates to the regions over which they form.
Impact of Air Masses
Air masses can greatly influence the weather patterns due to the vast amount of air they cover and their ability to move from one region to another.
Four Types of Air Masses
Based on their source region, air masses can be classified into four primary types: maritime tropical, maritime polar, continental tropical, and continental polar.
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Maritime Tropical (mT)
Maritime Tropical air masses are warm and humid, usually formed over warm ocean waters in the tropics or subtropics. These bring warm, humid weather.
Maritime Polar (mP)
Maritime Polar air masses form over the cold ocean waters near the poles. These typically bring cold, moist, and cloudy weather with them.
Continental Tropical (cT)
Continental Tropical air masses are formed over hot, dry desert regions and are typically associated with very dry and hot weather.
Continental Polar (cP)
Continental Polar air masses are formed over cold surface regions and are associated with cold, dry weather.