Question

A mass of extremely cold, dry air moves over the ocean. Which type of air mass does it most likely become?
maritime polar
maritime polar

continental arctic
continental arctic

continental tropical
continental tropical

maritime tropical

Answer 1

When a mass of extremely cold, dry air moves over the ocean, it is likely to become a **maritime polar** air mass.

This is because maritime polar air masses form over cold ocean waters, and when cold, dry air moves over a relatively warmer ocean surface, it can pick up moisture, becoming moist and cooler air. The other options do not fit the scenario as well:

- **Continental arctic** air comes from land and remains dry and cold.
- **Continental tropical** air is warm and dry, originating from land over warmer regions.
- **Maritime tropical** air is warm and moist, typically associated with warmer ocean waters, not cold, dry air moving over the ocean.

Therefore, the correct answer is **maritime polar**.