Air Mass


In space and astronautical engineering, an air mass refers to a large volume of air with relatively uniform temperature, humidity, and pressure characteristics. Air masses are classified based on their source region, which can be continental or maritime, and their latitude, which can be polar, arctic, tropical, or equatorial. The characteristics of an air mass can have a significant impact on the weather and atmospheric conditions of a region. For example, a cold and dry polar air mass can bring frigid temperatures and clear skies, while a warm and humid tropical air mass can bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. In spacecraft design and operation, the properties of air masses are important considerations for atmospheric reentry, aerodynamic heating, and thermal protection systems.


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