Air – masses are the atmospheric conditions found in a wide area.
They have the following characteristics:
1. Air – masses are extended to hundreds of kilometers.
2. There are many layers in the air – masses.
3. In each horizontal layer of air – masses, there are uniform properties.
4. Once generated, the air – masses do not remain stable in the area of their origin.
5. Air – masses affect the area which comes in their contact.
6. While affecting the area, their own qualities also change.
7. Due to their large size, the change in the air – masses takes place at a lesser speed.