AIR MASSES TN Standard: Explain how relationships between the movement and interactions of air masses, high and low pressure systems, and frontal boundaries result in weather conditions and severe storms.

An AIR MASS is a large body of air where temperature and moisture content are similar throughout. Changes in weather are caused by the movement and interaction of air masses.

The moisture content and temperature are determined by the AREA over which the air mass forms. These areas are called source regions. Check out the TWO LETTER Symbols for each type of air mass!

mT The characteristics of these air masses are represented on maps by a two-letter symbol. The first letter indicates the moisture content characteristic of the air mass. The second letter represents the temperature that is characteristic of the air mass.

Four Types of Air Masses Based on MOISTURE CONTENT maritime (m) forms over water (ocean) wet continental (c) forms over land dry

Based on TEMPERATURE polar (P) tropical (T) forms over the polar regions cold tropical (T) develops over tropics warm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHV9HeYqIUE

Draw and color RED or BLUE U.S. AIR MASSES (according to temperature). LABEL each air mass by its two-letter symbol and its full name to indicate temperature, moisture, and source region.