polar Pacific air mass
meteorology
Quick Summary
A polar air mass forms over land or water in higher latitudes. In North America, the maritime polar Pacific air mass forms over the Gulf of Alaska and the northern Pacific shores. This air mass is mild and wet, especially during winter, and influences weather from northern California to Alaska. The convergence of cold polar air and warmer middle-latitude air creates the polar front, which is associated with traveling depressions and is most pronounced in winter due to the greatest temperature and humidity contrast.123
Summary created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
