1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

4. 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.

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

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

8. 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.