Air Masses A huge body of air Similar temperature, humidity and air pressure

Air Masses Classified according to… Humidity level and Temperature level Maritime Tropical Continental Polar First name . . . Last name . . .

Maritime Forms over water Humid Mar = “sea” (marine)Maritime means an air mass is

Continental Form over land Very Dry

Tropical Warm air mass Low Pressure (warm air rises) Forms in Tropics

Polar Cold air mass High Pressure (cold air sinks) Form south of 50* south latitude & north of 50* north latitude.

Maritime Tropical Forms in the Pacific Forms in the Atlantic Affects West Coast Affects Southeastern US Warm, humid air Summer: Thunderstorms Winter: Heavy Rain & Snow

Maritime Polar Forms in the Northern Pacific & Atlantic Cold and Humid air Brings rain, fog, and cool temperatures

Continental Tropical Hot & Dry Forms over Southwestern and Northern Mexico Hot, dry weather Covers small area compared to other air masses

Continental Polar Cold & Dry Form over Central & northern Canada Winter: Clear, cold, and dry weather Summer: Storms