Bell Ringer Describe general air temperature on a cloudy night. Compare this to a clear night. Describe the type of weather expected with each of the following: Anticyclone Cyclone

Air Masses

What is an Air Mass? An air mass is an immense body of air that is characterized by similar temperatures and amounts of moisture at any given altitude

Moving Masses! Air Masses move from areas of high pressure to low pressure (pressure differentials) When an air mass moves out of the region over which it formed, it carries its temperature and moisture conditions As it moves, the characteristics of an air mass change and so does the weather in the area over which the air mass moves

Classifying Air Masses Air masses are classified by temperature and surface area over which they form

Classifying Air Masses NAME P – Polar LOCATION High Latitudes towards the poles TEMPERATURE Cold Temps T – Tropical Low Latitudes towards the equator Warm Temps C – Continental Over land mass Cold or warm, depending on the latitude M – Maritime Over water

Ocean/Water Land

Four Basic Types of Air Masses cP – Continental Polar dry and cool cold and dry in winter and summer cT – Continental Tropical dry and warm hot, drought-like conditions mT – Maritime Tropical wet and warm source of precipitation in the United States mP – Maritime Polar wet and cold mild, humid, unstable cold air from Canada

Weather Patterns in North America Weather in North America is influenced by continental polar and maritime tropical air masses

Identify and explain the four main types of air masses. Exit Ticket Identify and explain the four main types of air masses.