Hot, dry air moves into the Southwest in summer from a(n) _________________________ air mass. a. continental polar b. continental tropicalc. maritime tropical

b. continental tropical

Air masses are large bodies of air that have similar temperature and moisture characteristics. They can form over different regions, such as over land or water, and have different characteristics depending on their source regions.

In the Southwest, during the summer, hot and dry air moves into the region from a continental tropical air mass. This type of air mass forms over hot and arid regions, such as deserts or dry plateaus. In the case of the Southwest, the air mass originates from the southern parts of the United States and northern Mexico, where it gets heated by the intense sun and gains very little moisture.

When this continental tropical air mass moves into the Southwest, it brings in high temperatures and low humidity, which leads to hot and dry conditions. This is why summer in the Southwest is often associated with scorching heat and low chances of rainfall. The dryness of the air mass can also contribute to the formation of desert landscapes in the region.

Understanding the characteristics of different air masses helps us predict weather patterns and understand the climatic conditions of different regions. By studying air masses, meteorologists can make more accurate forecasts and help us prepare for the conditions we might experience.