Air+Masses2

Air Masses An air mass is defined as a large body of air that has the same temperature and moisture throughout.

There are five main types of air masses:

Maritime Tropical Maritime tropcial air masses usually come from the Gulf of Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. They are warm and moist.

Maritime Polar Maritime polar air masses originate over the northern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are cold and moist.

Continental Tropical Continental tropical air masses come from Mexico and the southwest They are warm and dry.

Continental Polar Continental polar air masses originate over northem Canada. They are cold and dry.

Continental Arctic Continental arctic air masses come down from the Arctic regions. They are frigid and dry.