FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

When two air masses meet and neither advances, which front is formed?

1. Occluded front

2. Cold front

3. Warm front

4. Stationary front

The correct answer is: Stationary front

The situation described involves two air masses that are in proximity to one another but are not moving toward each other. This scenario leads to the formation of a stationary front. A stationary front occurs when the forces between two colliding air masses are balanced, preventing any movement. As a result, the air masses remain in place, causing weather patterns associated with that specific front to persist in a region. In meteorological terms, stationary fronts are often identified by the characteristics of both the cold and warm air masses involved. They can lead to prolonged periods of precipitation and cloudiness as the warm air is forced to rise over the cooler, denser air. This stagnant status can cause significant weather phenomena until a shift occurs, causing one of the air masses to advance. Understanding this concept is vital for recognizing weather patterns and forecasting conditions based on air mass interactions. By identifying stationary fronts, one can infer potential weather impacts, such as sustained rainfall or overcast skies, allowing for better preparedness for changing weather scenarios.