1. Aim : How do we describe air mass characteristics? Air masses are uniquely classified according to; The nature of the surface in the source region The latitude of the source region Continental (c) designates an air mass of land origin, with the air likely to be dry Maritime (m) air mass originates over water, and therefore will be humid (moist) Polar (P) air masses originate in high latitudes and are cold Tropical (T) air masses form in low latitudes and are warm

2. Group Assignment Agenda (a) Describe the weather associated with a continental polar air mass in the winter and in the summer. (b) When would this air mass be most welcome in the United States? (c) What are the characteristics of a maritime tropical air mass? (b) Where are the source regions for the maritime tropical air masses that affect North America? (d) Where are the source regions for the maritime polar air masses that affect North America? (e) Complete the diagram on the map by showing the different air masses that influence the various weather patterns of North America.

3. Draw and briefly describe the different air masses?