Air Mass

Question 1

What properties are common across an air mass?

Answer 1

Temperature and humidity at a given altitude.

Question 2

Air masses form over an area (region). What properties do they have?

Answer 2

Stagnant with little pressure gradient and uniform surface features.

Question 3

According to Bergeron classification of air masses:
Humidity is grouped as _____ or _____
Temperature is grouped as _____ or ______
Then sometimes (4)A, AA, M, E

Answer 3

Humidity: Continental, maritime
Temperature: Tropical, Polar

Arctic, Antarctic, monsoon and equatorial

Question 4

Aside from the area of formation, what will inform the properties of an air mass?

Answer 4

Track and speed on journey.

Question 5

If an air mass has tracked over the sea then the properties are likely to change in which way?

Answer 5

Increase the relative and absolute humidity.

Question 6

If an air mass has tracked over land then the properties are likely to change in which way?

Answer 6

Decrease the relative and absolute humidity.

Question 7

If an air mass has tracked over cooler surfaces then the properties are likely to change in which way?
What weather would this bring?

Answer 7

Air mass is cooled from below, decreasing the ELR and increasing stability.

Low cloud and poor visibility

Question 8

If an air mass has tracked over warmer surfaces then the properties are likely to change in which way?
What weather would this bring?

Answer 8

Air mass is warmed from below, increasing the ELR and reducing stability.

Expect CBs and heavy showers