How does the earth surface affect the characteristics of an air mass?

1 Answer
James J.
Jun 21, 2016

Through conduction.

Explanation:

Conduction is the transfer of heat via contact. In the atmosphere this mean only the first 3 meters of the atmosphere usually. After that wind will mix up the air and we have a new first 3 meters of air to be modified.

Additionally the moisture content of the air is directly by the water at the earth's surface. This stands to reason as you need water to get water vapor.

The fact that conduction is a poor transfer of heat is why it takes weeks for a air mass to form.

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