Chapter 16, Problem 1LR

Summary Introduction

The source region and moisture characteristics of North American air masses.

Introduction:

The air that has the capability to maintain its temperature and weather conditions is called air mass. This type of air does not change its temperature easily. The air masses are named according to the areas in which they are formed. Air masses are represented by two letters. The first letter reflects the moisture content, and the second depicts the temperature.

Explanation of Solution

cP stands for continental polar air mass. The source region of cP air mass is high latitude areas. It is the air mass that contains dry and cold air.

mT is another type of air mass. It stands for maritime tropical. The characteristic feature of mT air mass is that it contains warm and humid air. The low latitude regions are the source regions of mT air mass.

mP is the air mass that contains cool and humid air. mP stands for maritime polar air mass. The source areas where mP air mass originates are high latitude regions.