Air masses are given a <u>two-part name</u> that describes the humidity and temperature characteristics of the region where they form. The first part of an air mass’ name describes its humidity. Air masses that form over the ocean, called maritime air masses, are more humid than those that form over land, called continental air masses. The second part of the name describes the temperature of the air mass, which depends on the latitude where it formed. Air masses that form near the equator or in the tropics (equatorial or tropical air masses) are warmer than air masses that form in polar areas or uin the Arctic (polar or arctic air masses).
The word that describes humidity (maritime or continental) is paired with the word that describes temperature (equatorial, tropical, polar or arctic). For example, if an air mass forms over a tropical ocean, it is called maritime tropical. If an air mass forms over land in the far north it is called continental polar.
Each plant contains a branched system of tubes called xylem, which is responsible for water transport from the roots<span> (where it is taken up) to the leaves (where it is used in </span>photosynthesis<span>).
