FAA Aircraft Dispatcher (ADX)MeteorologyMedium
A dispatcher reviewing a surface analysis chart notes a front with a gentle slope, extensive stratiform cloud decks (cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus) extending several hundred miles ahead of the surface position, and widespread steady precipitation preceding its passage. This is characteristic of which type of front?
- ACold front
- BOccluded front
- CStationary front
- DWarm front
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Warm front
Warm fronts have a shallow slope (typically 1:100 to 1:300), causing warm air to gradually override the retreating cold air well ahead of the surface position, producing layered stratiform clouds and prolonged light-to-moderate precipitation. Cold fronts are steeper and produce narrower bands of more intense weather.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cold fronts have steep slopes and produce narrow bands of intense, often convective weather.
- B. Occluded fronts show a mix of warm and cold frontal characteristics along a single boundary.
- C. Stationary fronts show little movement and mixed weather but lack the pronounced overrunning cloud shield described.
Warm Front
A boundary where warm air actively replaces retreating cold air, characterized by a shallow slope and widespread stratiform cloud and precipitation ahead of the surface position.
- Slope roughly 1:100 to 1:300
- Produces cirrostratus through nimbostratus progression
- Precipitation and reduced visibility can extend 200-300 miles ahead of the surface front
Memory trick: Warm fronts are 'gentle giants' — slow, wide, and soaking everything ahead of them.