Final answer:
The classification of an air mass depends upon the latitude and the surface of the area of origin, which significantly influence its temperature and moisture content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The classification of an air mass depends upon multiple factors, not just one. However, the most significant factors in determining the characteristics of an air mass are the latitude of the source region and the nature of the surface in the area of origin. While density and lapse rate can affect weather conditions, they do not define the air mass itself. Air masses are large volumes of air that have consistent temperature and moisture characteristics. They acquire these traits from the underlying surface in their regions of origin and are classified according to the latitude and the nature of the terrain where they form. For example, a polar air mass might originate from the cold high latitude regions, and a continental air mass might originate over large land masses, being typically drier than one that originates over an ocean (maritime). In summary, for the classification of an air mass, both the latitude and the surface of the origin play crucial roles. These two factors influence the temperature and moisture content of the air mass, which in turn affects weather patterns when these air masses interact with different geographic features or come into contact with other air masses.