1. An Introduction to Types and Formation
Air Masses
An Introduction to Types and Formation

2. Air Masses . . .
An air mass
Is a large body of air located in the lower troposphere
Moves together & has similar characteristics throughout
Air masses are characterized & named by:
Temperature
Moisture Content

3. Air Mass Temperature . . . The Chilly Ones!
Extremely cold air masses
Called arctic air masses
Form between approximately 75°-90° (N or S)
Symbolized by ____A
Cold air masses
Called polar air masses
Form between approximately 45°-75° (N or S)
Symbolized by ____P

4. Air Mass Temperature . . . The Scalding Ones!!!
Warm air masses
Called tropical air masses
Form between approximately 15°-45° (N or S)
Symbolized by T
Extremely hot air masses
Called equatorial air masses
Form between approximately 0°-15° (N or S)
Symbolized by E

5. Air Mass Moisture Content
Moist air masses
Form over oceans
Called maritime air masses
Symbolized by m____
Drier air masses
Form over continents
Called continental air masses
Symbolized by c____

6. Example Air Mass Types—ContinentalcA
Symbolizes: Continental arctic air mass
Means: dry & very cold air
Could have formed over Antarctica cE
Symbolizes: Continental equatorial air mass
Means: dry & hot air
Could have formed over Africa

7. Example Air Mass Types—Maritime
Symbolizes: Maritime polar air mass
Means: moist & cold air
Could have formed off the coast of Canada mT
Symbolizes: Maritime tropical air mass
Means: moist & warm air
Could have formed over the Gulf of Mexico

8. Activity
Stop in the notes and complete the Global Air Mass Originations Map.
For each numbered box, determine which type of air mass would form there (cA, cP, cT, mP, mT, mE) based on . . .
Is it over a continent or water? (c___ or m____)
Is it in the artic, polar, tropical, or equatorial region? (____A, ____P, ____T, or ____E)
Combine the two appropriate symbols and record the air mass type.
Check # 1-5 with the teacher before finishing all 24!

9. Activity Answers #1-5
mP—maritime polar Formed over the ocean and between 45° and 60° latitude
mT—maritime tropical Formed over the ocean and between 15°-45° latitude
mE—maritime equatorial Formed over the ocean and at the equator
cP—continental polar Formed over land and between 45°-75° latitude