Answer: Polar air mass is the large mass of air formed over land or water in higher latitudes. They are characterized by cold air.
Tropical air mass is the large mass of air that is formed 25 degrees latitude of the equator. They are characterized by warm air.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polar air mass is known for cold air near earth's surface. Polar air mass takes place in cold regions like Arctic region.
Unlike tropical air mass, polar air mass brings cold and dry air weather in winter season.
Continental polar mass takes place in cold, stable and low humid areas like subpolar land. Whereas, maritime polar air mass forms over oceans which are cool and located in polar region.
Tropical air mass is characterized by warm to hot air. But, as this air mass move away from their latitude of origin, they get cooled down. This phenomenon mostly result in precipitation and storms in Unites States. This also shows that tropical air mass contains moisture. They are usually prone to sudden changes.
Continental tropical air mass is produced over desert areas of the world during summer, when its hot. While, maritime tropical air mass is produced over tropical and subtropical oceans and seas in the world.