What is the main characteristic of a continental polar air mass?

The main characteristic of a continental polar air mass is indeed cool, dry air. This type of air mass originates over land in polar regions, where it undergoes cooling without significant moisture exchange. As a result, the air becomes colder and relatively dry. Continental polar air masses are typically associated with high pressure, leading to clear skies and stable weather conditions, especially in the regions they affect.

In contrast, warm, moist air is characteristic of maritime tropical air masses, which develop over warm ocean waters and bring higher humidity and warmer temperatures. Hot, humid air corresponds to a different air mass type, specifically maritime tropical, which also brings moisture from bodies of water. Cold, saturated air, on the other hand, would indicate a different atmospheric condition where cooling has led to condensation, typically associated with moist environments, rather than the dry conditions indicated by continental polar air masses.