Explain how air masses are classified. Where are these types of air masses located?
Solution:
They are classified in two ways: the source from which they are generated, land (continental) or water (maritime), and the latitude of generation (polar or tropical).
These air masses are present in the United States. The Continental polar emanates from Canada and passes over the northern United States. The maritime polar air mass also comes southward from the Atlantic Coast of Canada and affects the New England states. Another maritime polar comes from the Pacific and hits the extreme northwestern states. The maritime tropical air masses come from the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic (these affect the entire Southern United States). Continental tropical air masses form only during summer. They originate in Texas and affect the states bordering the north.