Draw in the 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-degree isotherms on the map B (

Question

Draw in the 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50-, 60-, and 70-degree isotherms on the map B (above). Note you will have to approximate using the numbers on the map. Label each isotherm. Isotherms can be used to identify air masses (large areas of the lower atmosphere with similar weather).

1.      Name a state over which a cold air mass is located.

2.      Name a state over which a warm air mass is located.

Air masses are also categorized as dry or humid. Humid air masses develop over ocean waters. Dry air masses come from large land areas. An air mass found over the Gulf of Mexico would be humid and warm. An air mass located in central Canada in winter would be dry and cold.

3.      How would you describe the air mass moving into the United States from Canada? Be sure to use the terminology from the lecture.

4.      How would you describe the air mass moving into the United States from the south? Be sure to use the terminology from the lecture.

Explanation / Answer

1. Continental polar air mass originate over the snow covered regions of Canada and Alaska. They are extremely cold and dry. These cold air masses enter the United States between Rocky mountains and the Great Lakes and moves into the east central United States. They can move up to Southern US and even Florida.

2. Maritime tropical air masses are hot, humid and unstable. These warm air masses originate over Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean sea, tropical western Atlantic ocean and moves into southeastern part of United States.

3. The air masses originating over the Canada are extremely cold and dry and are known as continental polar air mass. These air masses enter into east central and southeastern part of United States. They enter in the US through Rocky mountains and Great lakes region.

4. The air mass moving into United States from south is maritime tropical air mass. These are hot and humid air masses. They originate over Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean sea and tropical western Atlantic ocean. These air masses are found over the south eastern part of United States and are capable of heavy precipitation.

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