What type of mass is maritime polar?

Maritime polar refers to a specific type of air mass characterized by its origin and properties. It forms over cold ocean waters in higher latitudes, which gives it distinct characteristics. The air is typically cold due to the influence of the colder sea surface temperatures in polar regions. Additionally, as it moves over these waters, it collects moisture through evaporation, making it moist.

Thus, maritime polar air masses are both cold and moist. This combination leads to certain weather phenomena, including cloud formation and precipitation when such air masses are displaced over land or in conditions that allow them to rise. The presence of cold temperatures contributes to their density, and the moisture contributes to potential precipitation, especially when interacting with warmer air.

This understanding outlines why maritime polar is classified as a cold and moist air mass, distinguishing it from warm and dry air masses or other types that may have different moisture and temperature characteristics.