Which air mass is characterized as cold and dry?

The air mass characterized as cold and dry is the continental polar air mass. This type of air mass typically forms over land in higher latitudes, where the surface conditions contribute to cooler temperatures. As it originates from these cold land areas, it is not influenced by large bodies of water, which would generally add moisture to the air. Therefore, continental polar air masses generally have lower humidity levels, making them dry.

In contrast, maritime tropical and maritime polar air masses are influenced by warmer ocean waters and humid conditions. Continental tropical air masses are hot and dry, originating from land in lower latitudes. Thus, the distinct characteristics of the continental polar air mass as being both cold and dry lead to it being the correct choice in this context.