FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

What characterizes a stationary front?

1. Warm air is displaced by cold air

2. Two air masses of similar strength meet but do not move

3. Cold air dominates and forces warm air to rise

4. Warm air completely overtakes cold air

The correct answer is: Two air masses of similar strength meet but do not move

A stationary front is characterized by two air masses that are relatively equal in strength and do not have sufficient energy to move past each other. This standoff causes the front to remain in the same location for an extended period. It often results in cloud formation, precipitation, and varying weather conditions that can last for days until one air mass gains the strength to break the balance, leading to movement in a particular direction. In contrast, when warm air is displaced by cold air, as described in the first choice, it typically indicates a cold front rather than a stationary front. The scenario where cold air forces warm air to rise pertains to a cold front scenario as well. Lastly, the overtaking of warm air by cold air suggests a warm front dynamic rather than a stationary state. Thus, the essence of a stationary front clearly lies in the interaction of two air masses that neither push nor succumb to one another.