What type of air mass forms over land?

The formation of air masses depends significantly on the characteristics of the surface over which they develop. Continental air masses form over land, which restricts their moisture content because land does not provide the same level of evaporation as bodies of water. As a result, these air masses are generally drier compared to those that form over oceans or large lakes.

Continental air masses can be characterized by their temperature, which can vary based on the geographical region—such as warm, cold, or polar. Their properties are influenced by the underlying land surface, leading to varying weather patterns when they move into different regions. Understanding this concept is crucial in meteorology, as air masses play a significant role in determining weather conditions.

Other types of air masses, such as maritime, form over oceans and are typically more humid. Polar air masses originate from high latitudes, while equatorial air masses come from warmer, tropical regions but are not specifically associated with land. Therefore, the correct identification of continental air masses as those that develop over land is foundational in physical geography.