Air Mass from South Atlantic: cT (Cool & Moist)

An air mass originating over the South Atlantic Ocean is classified as cT (continental Tropical? No — maritime Tropical? Let's clarify).

Correct Classification: mT (Maritime Tropical) — But Modified

Standard air mass notation:

• m = maritime (ocean origin) → moist
• c = continental (land origin) → dry
• T = Tropical (warm) — source 25–35°S/N
• P = Polar (cool) — source 40–60°S/N
• A = Arctic/Antarctic (very cold)

The South Atlantic (subtropical, ~20–35°S) produces mT (maritime Tropical) — warm and moist.

Why the Source Said "cT = cool and wet" — And Why It's Wrong

• cT = continental Tropical → hot, dry (e.g., Sahara, SW US summer)
• mP = maritime Polar → cool, moist (North Atlantic, North Pacific)
• cP = continental Polar → cold, dry (Canada, Siberia)
• mT = maritime Tropical → warm, moist (Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, tropical oceans)

South Atlantic mT Characteristics

Weather Impacts

• Brazil coast: Onshore flow → convection, thunderstorms, humidity
• Southern Africa: Agulhas Current interaction → cut-off lows, flooding
• South America: South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) — summer rainfall engine

Bottom line: South Atlantic air mass = mT (maritime Tropical) = warm, moist. The notation "cT = cool and wet" confuses cP/cA (cool) with mT (moist).