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FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)MeteorologyEasy

A dispatcher reviewing a surface analysis chart identifies an air mass that formed over the subtropical Atlantic Ocean, characterized as warm and moist. How should this air mass be classified?

  1. AContinental Tropical (cT)
  2. BMaritime Tropical (mT)
  3. CContinental Polar (cP)
  4. DMaritime Polar (mP)
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Maritime Tropical (mT)

Air mass classification is based on source region moisture (maritime/continental) and temperature (tropical/polar/arctic). An air mass forming over warm subtropical ocean water is warm and moist, making it maritime tropical (mT).

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Continental tropical forms over warm land, producing hot, dry air.
  • C. Continental polar forms over cold land areas and is dry and cold.
  • D. Maritime polar forms over cold ocean water, producing cool, moist air.

Air Mass Classification

Air masses are classified by source region temperature (arctic, polar, tropical) and moisture content (maritime, continental).

  • cP: cold, dry, over land
  • mT: warm, moist, over tropical ocean
  • cT: hot, dry, over tropical land
  • mP: cool, moist, over polar ocean

Memory trick: Letters tell moisture (m/c) then temperature (T/P) — 'mT = Muggy Tropics'.

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