Final answer:
Air masses affect climate by contributing distinctive temperature and moisture characteristics to regions they move across, with maritime air masses generally bringing humidity and milder temperatures, while continental air masses can cause drier conditions and more extreme temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Air masses have a profound impact on climate because they are large bodies of air that have distinctive temperature and moisture characteristics based on their source regions. For instance, air masses that form over water, typically in maritime climates, tend to be more moist and can contribute to more humid conditions when they move over land. Conversely, air masses that originate over land, characteristic of continental climates, are usually drier. When these air masses move, they affect the weather patterns of the regions they cross, including temperature and precipitation levels, which over time contribute to the overall climate of an area.
Maritime air masses regulate temperatures by absorbing and releasing heat, which makes nearby coastal regions have milder climates with less variation between summer and winter temperatures. On the other hand, continental air masses can lead to greater temperature extremes due to the lack of moderating effects from large bodies of water. These phenomena are crucial when considering climate patterns because they influence long-term averages of temperature and rainfall, thereby affecting agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and the overall livability of an area.