What is the primary feature of the air mass classified as Maritime Polar (mP)?

The air mass classified as Maritime Polar (mP) is characterized primarily by being cold and moist. This classification arises from its origin over cold ocean waters in polar regions, which leads to the air mass being cooler in temperature due to the lower heat retention of the cold water and picking up moisture from the ocean surface.

As a result, Maritime Polar air masses often bring cloudy weather and precipitation as they move inland and interact with warmer land areas. The cold and moist conditions associated with mP air masses play an essential role in various weather patterns, particularly in coastal areas where these interactions frequently occur.

In contrast, the other options reflect different types of air masses: hot and dry is typical of continental tropical (cT) air masses, warm and humid indicates maritime tropical (mT) air masses, and dry and arid describes continental polar (cP) air masses. Each air mass type is defined by its origin and the temperature and moisture characteristics that influence the weather it brings.