Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Where Do Air Masses Originate?

There are basically 2 source regions for where air masses form, but 4 general categories to classify the source of an air mass.

First, the two main source regions, each defined with a capital letter...

  • P -- air masses that originate in Polar latitudes
  • T -- ones that have warm Tropical origins

    Now the 4 general categories to classify an air mass.

    If the source region is over land, it will have a small letter "c" before the initial. If it is over water, there will be a small letter "m" before the main source region initial.

  • cP -- cold, dry and stable air throughout the air mass

  • cT -- hot, dry, stable air aloft with unstable air at the surface

  • mP -- cool, moist and unstable air throughout the air mass

  • mT -- warm, moist and usually unstable air found throughout the air mass

    There are a few other classifications, such as cA (continental Arctic air masses) but if you master the 4 main ones above you are in business!

    I am traveling on business out of state the next few days and will not have access to a computer.

    BUT -- when I return I will pick up with the air masses of North America in more detail.

    Get out and vote -- your voice could be the deciding one!

    Happy Election Day!
  • 1 comment:

    1. "Get out and vote -- your voice could be the deciding one!"

      Not mine; I voted Green.

      Charlie Green
      Texas Creek, CO

      ReplyDelete