Water and Air Masses
Air mass classification involves three letters. The first letter describes its moisture properties: continental air masses (c) and maritime air masses (m). The second letter is its source region: tropical (T), polar (P), arctic or Antarctic (A), monsoon (M), Equatorial (E), and superior (S) air. For instance, an air mass originating over the desert southwest of the United States in summer may be designated "cT"and an air mass originating over northern Siberia in winter may be indicated as "cA." The stability of an air mass may be shown using a third letter, either "k" (air mass colder than the surface below it) or "w" (air mass warmer than the surface below it).
PART A:In meteorology, an air mass is a volume of air defined by its temperature and water vapor content. Air masses cover many hundreds or thousands of miles, and adapt to the characteristics of the surface below them. Which statement INCORRECTLY describes air masses?
Responses
A Tropical air masses form near the equator and the air is warm.Tropical air masses form near the equator and the air is warm.
B Maritime air masses form over water and become dry as they lose water vapor to the water below it.Maritime air masses form over water and become dry as they lose water vapor to the water below it.
C Polar air masses form far from the equator where air becomes cool as it loses energy to the cold land or water.Polar air masses form far from the equator where air becomes cool as it loses energy to the cold land or water.
D Continental air masses form over land and are dry as it loses its moisture to the dry land below it.
PART B:When an air mass moves to a new region, it carries along its characteristic moisture and temperature. As the air moves over Earth’s surface, the characteristics of the surface begin to change the air mass. When a new air mass moves over an area, you can expect the weather to change. A front is a boundary between air masses. How would the weather change if a cold front moves into your area? All BUT ONE may apply.
Responses
A Weather changes rapidly.Weather changes rapidly.
B Temperatures drop.Temperatures drop.
C Rain is unlikely.Rain is unlikely.
D Wind becomes gusty.
