Questions and Answers
What is an air mass?
An air mass is a huge body of air that has similar temperature, humidity, and air pressure at any given height.
How do scientists classify air masses?
Scientists classify air masses by temperature (warm or cold) and humidity (wet or dry).
What does an air mass's temperature depend on?
The temperature of an air mass depends on where it is located.
Describe a tropical air mass.
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Would a tropical air mass have high pressure or low pressure?
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Describe a polar air mass.
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Would a polar air mass have high pressure or low pressure?
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What does an air mass's humidity depend on?
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Describe a maritime air mass.
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Describe a continental air mass.
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A cold air mass could also be called?
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A warm air mass could also be called?
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A dry air mass could also be called?
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A wet air mass could also be called?
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A wet - warm air mass is called?
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A dry - warm air mass is called?
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A wet - cool air mass is called?
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A dry - cool air mass is called?
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Simply look at a map of North America and its air masses!
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Study Notes
Air Masses Overview
- An air mass is a large body of air with uniform temperature, humidity, and pressure at a given height.
Classification of Air Masses
- Air masses are classified by temperature: warm or cold.
- They are also classified by humidity: wet or dry.
Temperature Characteristics
- The temperature of an air mass is influenced by its geographic location.
Tropical Air Mass
- Forms in tropical regions; characterized by warmth.
- Associated with low pressure due to the rising of warm air, leading to lower density.
Polar Air Mass
- Forms at the poles; characterized by cold temperatures.
- Associated with high pressure due to the sinking of cold air, leading to higher density.
Humidity Influences
- Humidity of an air mass is determined by its formation over either water (humid) or land (dry).
Maritime Air Mass
- Forms over oceans, resulting in high humidity.
- Water evaporation contributes to the moist characteristic of this air mass.
Continental Air Mass
- Forms over land and typically has low moisture content, making it dry.
Terminology of Air Masses
- Cold air mass is synonymous with polar air mass.
- Warm air mass is synonymous with tropical air mass.
- A dry air mass is known as a continental air mass.
- A wet air mass is identified as a maritime air mass.
Specific Types of Air Masses
- Maritime tropical: wet and warm air mass.
- Continental tropical: dry and warm air mass.
- Maritime polar: wet and cool air mass.
- Continental polar: dry and cool air mass.
Visual Understanding
- To comprehend air masses in North America, consult a map showcasing their distribution.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of air masses with these flashcards. Learn how air masses are defined and classified, as well as what factors influence their temperature. This quiz is perfect for students of meteorology or anyone interested in atmospheric science.
