* Maritime Polar (mP): These air masses originate over the North Atlantic Ocean. They bring cool, moist, and unstable conditions to Europe.
* Continental Polar (cP): These air masses originate over the Siberian landmass. They bring cold, dry, and stable conditions to Europe.
Other air masses that can influence Europe, but typically move in other directions, include:
* Maritime Tropical (mT): Originating over the subtropical Atlantic Ocean, these air masses bring warm, humid, and unstable conditions to Europe, mainly in the southern parts.
* Continental Tropical (cT): These air masses originate over the Sahara Desert, but are less common in Europe. They bring hot, dry, and stable conditions.
The specific movement and influence of these air masses vary depending on the season and the prevailing atmospheric circulation patterns.
For example, in winter, cold cP air masses from Siberia can move westwards into Europe, bringing extremely cold and snowy conditions. In summer, mP air masses from the Atlantic can bring milder and wetter conditions.
