Question map
Which one of the following is NOT true in reference to Air mass?
Explanation
Air masses are large bodies of air with relatively uniform temperature and humidity acquired from their source regions. These source regions must be vast, homogenous areas where air remains stationary for long periods to adopt the surface's characteristics. Consequently, air masses develop under anticyclonic conditions (high-pressure belts) where air is stable and sinking, rather than cyclonic conditions [3]. Cyclones, characterized by low pressure and rising air, are actually atmospheric disturbances that often originate at the contact zones (fronts) between different air masses rather than being the environment for their formation [2]. Air masses are classified based on their origin in tropical, polar, or arctic regions [1] and whether they develop over continents (continental) or oceans (maritime) [1]. As they migrate, they significantly alter the weather conditions of the areas they pass over by transporting heat and moisture [2].
Sources
- [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 28: Temperate Cyclones > Polar Front Theory > p. 406
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 28: Temperate Cyclones > Influence of Air Masses on World Weather > p. 398
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 28: Temperate Cyclones > Source Regions > p. 395