In the study of climatology, which of the following air masses is characterized by being extremely cold and dry, originating over high-latitude ice sheets during winter months?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Continental arctic air masses form over the ice-covered surfaces of the Arctic and Antarctic regions, possessing exceptionally low temperatures and very low moisture content due to intense surface cooling and stable atmospheric conditions. Maritime tropical air masses are warm and humid, whereas continental polar air masses are cold but typically less extreme than arctic masses. Moisture properties of air masses are determined by the underlying geographical surface characteristics of their source regions.