Air Masses

The map of North America shows the source region of an air mass forming mostly over Mexico. This air mass originating over Mexico is classified as

• continental polar

• continental tropical

• maritime polar

• maritime tropical

An air mass entering Alaska from the northern Pacific Ocean would most likely be labeled on a weather map as

• cT

• cP

• mT

• mP

Base your answer on the map, which shows the position of the jet stream relative to two air masses and a low-pressure center (L) over the United States. What is the difference in the air temperature and humidity between the cP and mT air masses?

• The cP air mass is warmer and less humid.

• The cP air mass is colder and more humid.

• The mT air mass is warmer and more humid

• The mT air mass is colder and less humid.

Which geographic region is the most common source region for the mT air masses that move into New York State?

• northern Canada

• Arctic Ocean

• southwestern United States

• Gulf of Mexico

Air masses are identified on the basis of temperature and

• type of precipitation

• wind velocity

• moisture content

• atmospheric transparency

Which type of air mass is associated with warm, dry atmospheric conditions?

• cP

• cT

• mP

• mT

Which type of air mass usually contains the most moisture?

• mT

• mP

• cT

• cP

Which type of air mass would most likely have low humidity and high air temperature?

• cT

• cP

• mT

• mP

The weather characteristics of air mass result primarily from its

• geographic origin

• size and shape

• rate of movement

• direction of movement

Tornadoes occur when a very cold, dry air mass meets a very warm, wet air mass. Which two air masses would most likely form a tornado when they meet?

• cP and cA

• cT and mP

• cP and mT

• mP and mT