Air masses are classified by which two primary criteria?

Air masses are classified primarily based on their temperature and humidity characteristics, which are influenced by their source region. The correct criteria focus on location (latitude) and surface type (land or water), which determine whether an air mass is warm or cold, and whether it carries moisture or is dry.

For example, air masses that form over oceans tend to be humid due to the moisture available from the water surface, while those that form over land can be either dry or moist, depending on the geography. Similarly, air masses in tropical regions are typically warm, while those formed in polar regions are cold.

Using this classification system allows meteorologists to predict weather patterns more effectively, as different types of air masses interact differently, affecting temperature, precipitation, and overall weather conditions. Understanding these classifications is crucial for analyzing weather systems and their impacts on the environment.