17 Air Masses

Question 1

In relation to the UK describe a mP (Maritime Polar) and mA (Maritime Arctic) air mass movement including:

• Direction
• Stability
• Associated weather
• Visibility

Answer 1

• Comes from north west and north west, respectively
• Cool, moist air being warmed from below as it travels south
• Reducing stability
• Cu, Cb
• RASH / SNSH
• Good visibility

Question 2

In relation to the UK describe a cP (Continental Polar) air mass movement including:

• Direction
• Stability
• Associated weather
• Visibility

Answer 2

• Comes from north east, only in winter
• Cool, dry air travelling mainly across land
• Reducing stability
• Cold temperatures
• Frost
• Clear skies
• Good visibility

Question 3

In relation to the UK describe a cT (Continental Tropical) air mass movement including:

• Direction
• Stability
• Associated weather
• Visibility

Answer 3

• Comes from the south east
• Warm, dry air
• Increased stability
• Warm temperatures
• Haze
• Poor visibility

Question 4

In relation to the UK describe a mT (Maritime Tropical) air mass movement including:

• Direction
• Stability
• Associated weather
• Visibility

Answer 4

• Comes from the south west
• Warm, humid air
• Increased stability
• Low level Stratford clouds
• Turbulence cloud
• Advection fog
• Continuos DZ or RA
• Poor visibility