Here is a comparison between maritime and continental air masses in tabular form:
| Maritime Air Mass | Continental Air Mass | |
|---|---|---|
| Source Region | Over oceans or large bodies of water | Over land areas |
| Temperature | Relatively mild or warm | Can vary from very cold to hot |
| Moisture Content | Relatively high humidity | Generally drier |
| Stability | Often less stable due to moisture content | Can be more stable |
| Weather Characteristics | Can bring cloudy conditions and precipitation | Tends to have clearer skies and less precipitation |
| Effect on Temperature | Can moderate temperatures | Can lead to greater temperature extremes |
| Effect on Humidity | Can increase humidity levels | May have lower humidity levels |
| Effect on Precipitation | Can contribute to widespread precipitation | May result in less widespread precipitation |
| Typical Weather Patterns | Fog, drizzle, and steady rain are common | Clear skies, limited cloud cover, and drier conditions |
| Influence on Fronts | Often associated with warm fronts and can trigger convection | Can lead to the formation of cold fronts and more stable atmospheric conditions |
| Examples | Maritime Tropical (mT) and Maritime Polar (mP) air masses | Continental Polar (cP) and Continental Tropical (cT) air masses |
It’s important to note that air masses can exhibit variations and undergo modifications as they travel and interact with other air masses or atmospheric features. The characteristics listed above provide a general comparison between maritime and continental air masses, but specific weather conditions associated with these air masses can vary depending on other factors such as topography, prevailing winds, and the presence of other atmospheric systems.
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