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Air Masses
uniform bodies of air
An air mass is a large body of air that has similar temperature
and moisture properties throughout.
The best source regions for air masses are large flat areas where air
can be stagnant long enough to take on the characteristics of the surface
below.
Maritime tropical
air masses (mT), for example,
develop over the subtropical oceans and transport heat and
moisture northward into the U.S..
In contrast, continental polar air masses (cP),
which originate over the northern plains of Canada, transport colder and drier
air southward.
Once an air mass moves out of its source region, it is modified
as it encounters surface conditions different than those found in the
source region. For example, as a polar air mass moves southward, it
encounters warmer land masses and consequently, is heated by the
ground below. Air masses typically clash in the middle latitudes, producing
some very interesting weather.
Air Masses, Fronts
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continental polar
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