by 
The Curious Bag
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In meteorology, the term "continental air mass" describes a large expanse of air that shares similar qualities. These air masses develop over an extensive area of land. Continental air masses in the United States shape the weather for much of the country, depending on where they form.
Geography
In the winter, a continental arctic air mass may arise over the landscape of high latitudes, developing in northern Canada, northern Siberia, the Arctic Basin and Greenland.
Types
A continental arctic air mass will have bitterly cold air associated with it and dry conditions, but it is very stable. A continental polar air mass develops further south; its air is not as cold, but it is still quite dry and stable.
Effects
The continental tropical air masses that materialize over the land in low latitudes contain unstable, warm, dry air during the winter. In the summer, these air masses will precipitate scorching hot temperatures in places like the Great Plains.
Considerations
The reason a continental arctic air mass can possess such cold air in the winter is that it grows in an area where the sun never rises at that time of year, with the potential for record low air temperatures to exist.
Significance
A continental polar air mass that takes shape in the summer is significant because it can make the northern tier of states clearer and cooler than the rest of the nation.
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