Air masses can change Response area and moisture as they move. When two air masses meet they form a boundary called a front. Fronts are usually Response area or cold.

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When two air masses meet, they form a boundary called a front. Fronts can be classified into different types, typically as warm fronts, cold fronts, stationary fronts, or occluded fronts.

  1. Warm Fronts - These occur when a warm air mass moves into an area occupied by a colder air mass. The warm air rises over the cold air, which can lead to gradual changes in weather, often resulting in longer periods of precipitation.

  2. Cold Fronts - These occur when a cold air mass moves into an area occupied by a warmer air mass. Cold fronts generally move faster than warm fronts and can cause more dramatic weather changes, including thunderstorms and short bursts of heavy rain followed by clearer skies.

  3. Stationary Fronts - These form when two air masses meet but neither is strong enough to replace the other. This can lead to prolonged periods of cloudy, wet weather.

  4. Occluded Fronts - These occur when a cold front overtakes a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground. This can lead to complex weather patterns and is often associated with low-pressure systems.

Each type of front is characterized by its associated weather conditions and temperature changes, generally referred to as the response area (the area affected by the front).