FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Practice Exam

Which type of clouds are typically associated with a cold front?

1. Cumulus and cirrus

2. Nimbostratus and stratus

3. Cumulus and cumulonimbus

4. Stratocumulus and altostratus

The correct answer is: Cumulus and cumulonimbus

Cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds are typically associated with cold fronts due to the abrupt lifting of warm, moist air over the cold air that is advancing. As the cold front moves in, the warm air is rapidly forced upwards, which causes it to cool and condense, forming these cloud types. Cumulus clouds are puffy and form in unstable air where convection is occurring. When conditions become extremely unstable, these cumulus clouds can develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which are tall and can produce severe weather including thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. The vertical development of cumulonimbus clouds is particularly characteristic of the vigorous upward motion associated with cold fronts, resulting in rapidly changing weather conditions. In contrast, other cloud types listed in the options are associated with different weather patterns or fronts. For instance, nimbostratus and stratus clouds are more common with warm fronts, where lifting is more gradual, leading to widespread, steady precipitation.