What does continental mean in regard to air masses?

A continental air mass is one of three major air masses in the world’s atmosphere. It is characterized by its large size, slow speed, and lower moisture content. These air masses are often experienced over the ocean during the winter. If not for the ocean, these colder air masses would be warmer.

What does continental mean in reference to dark clouds?

When it comes to dark clouds, a continental system refers to the direction of the prevailing winds. Typically, in the summer, the prevailing winds are from the west. That means that storm systems approaching the East Coast of the United States are more likely to move along the western edge of a continental system of storms allowing them to move inland or out to sea rather than into the middle of the country.

What does continental mean in meteorology?

Continental air is simply air that originates over the continents, rather than over oceans. As the name implies, it is found on the northern and southern sides of the globe and is created over large, relatively flat and featureless plains.

What does continental mean in regard to air mass?

A continental air mass is a large air mass that originates over a continent. In the northern hemisphere, the air mass that originates over North America is called a North American air mass. As this air mass blows over the eastern seaboard, it cools off. The air that is left behind is called a south-easterly flow. This air mass is warm and humid, and it can bring mild temperatures when it hits the northern part of the country.

What does continental mean in the atmosphere?

A continental air mass is simply one whose temperature has been influenced by the northern or southern part of the continent. It’s not to say that they contain more water vapor than other air masses, as that’s not always the case. A large, moist air mass can come to be “continental” if it’s cooled by the ocean.