Air Masses

Question 1

Define the term ‘air mass’

Answer 1

Must be homogeneous, needs to be stationary for a long time to achieve this. Air mass source regions are therefore areas of stable high pressure - anti-cyclones

Question 2

What may be present in an air mass?

Answer 2

A temperature inversion

Question 3

What are the 3 main regions that act as source regions of Northwest Europe?

Answer 3

1) the general high pressure area of the polar high
2) the very intense Siberian cold high pressure area (winter only)
3) more or less permanant Azores warm high pressure area

Question 4

What are the 3 main regions that act as source regions of Northwest Europe?

Answer 4

1) the general high pressure area of the polar high
2) the very intense Siberian cold high pressure area (winter only)
3) more or less permanant Azores warm high pressure area

Question 5

How many air masses do the 3 source regions produce?

Answer 5

6

Question 6

Which air mass may produce Haar in Scotland and Sea Fret in Lincolnshire?

Answer 6

continental tropical warm (cTw)

Question 7

How does maritime Tropical air typically arrive in NW Europe?

Answer 7

As the warm sector of a large polar front depression

Question 8

how does maritime Tropical air track in NW Europe?

Answer 8

Northeast to Northwest