In meteorology terms, which pairing defines an Arctic front?

In meteorology terms, which pairing defines an Arctic front?

• A. front between maritime polar air mass and maritime tropical air mass.
• B. front between polar air mass and warm air mass.
• C. front between continental arctic air mass and maritime arctic air mass.
• D. front between continental polar air mass and maritime polar air masses.

Answer: (C)

An Arctic front is the boundary where two Arctic-origin air masses meet, creating a sharp contrast in temperature and humidity. In this case, the very cold, dry continental Arctic air (originating over land in high latitudes) meets the cold but moister maritime Arctic air (originating over the polar seas). The strong contrast between these two air masses produces a distinct front, often with noticeable temperature drops and changes in humidity and wind. That pairing—continental Arctic air meeting maritime Arctic air—defines an Arctic front. Other pairings involve polar air with warmer air or different polar types that create polar fronts or other fronts, not the Arctic-front boundary.

An Arctic front is the boundary where two Arctic-origin air masses meet, creating a sharp contrast in temperature and humidity. In this case, the very cold, dry continental Arctic air (originating over land in high latitudes) meets the cold but moister maritime Arctic air (originating over the polar seas). The strong contrast between these two air masses produces a distinct front, often with noticeable temperature drops and changes in humidity and wind. That pairing—continental Arctic air meeting maritime Arctic air—defines an Arctic front. Other pairings involve polar air with warmer air or different polar types that create polar fronts or other fronts, not the Arctic-front boundary.