The continental tropical air mass is characterized as ______ and ______.

The continental tropical air mass is primarily characterized by being hot and dry. This type of air mass forms over land in warm regions, typically in desert or semi-arid areas. Because it originates over land, it does not acquire significant moisture, resulting in low humidity levels. Additionally, the high temperatures associated with continental tropical air masses contribute to their classification as hot. This specific combination of characteristics—high temperature and low moisture content—distinguishes continental tropical air masses from other types, such as maritime tropical air masses, which are warm and moist due to their origins over water. Thus, identifying this air mass as hot and dry correctly captures its defining attributes.