Continental arctic and continental polar air masses can be difficult to distinguish, especially when the arctic air mass has traveled over warmer terrain.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continental arctic (cA) and continental polar (cP) air masses both originate over land in high latitude regions, making them cold and dry. However, as an arctic air mass moves over warmer terrain, it can moderate somewhat, making it more challenging to distinguish from a polar air mass based on temperature and moisture characteristics alone.

Continental Arctic and Continental Polar Air Masses Can Be Difficult