What is the definition of continental air mass?
In meteorology, the term “continental air mass” describes a large expanse of air that shares similar qualities. These air masses develop over an extensive area of land. Continental air masses in the United States shape the weather for much of the country, depending on where they form.GeographyIn the winter, a continental arctic air mass may arise over the landscape of high latitudes, developing in northern Canada, northern Siberia, the Arctic Basin and Greenland.TypesA continental arctic air mass will have bitterly cold air associated with it and dry conditions, but it is very stable. A continental polar air mass develops further south; its air is not as cold, but it is still quite dry and stable.EffectsThe continental tropical air masses that materialize over the land in low latitudes contain unstable, warm, dry air during the winter.
