What is the definition of a Front in meteorology?

The definition of a Front in meteorology is a boundary between two air masses. This concept is fundamental in understanding weather patterns because fronts are often associated with significant weather changes. When two different air masses meet, they can vary greatly in temperature, humidity, and density. This interaction creates distinctive characteristics in the weather, such as precipitation, cloud formation, and shifts in wind.

For instance, a cold front occurs when a colder, denser air mass pushes into a warmer air mass, often leading to thunderstorms and a sharp temperature drop. Conversely, a warm front involves a warm air mass moving over a cooler air mass, which can result in gradual weather changes, such as steady rain or overcast skies.

Recognizing fronts is essential for meteorologists for forecasting and understanding the dynamics of the atmosphere. The other choices, while related to weather, do not correctly define what a Front is in this context. A high-pressure system refers to areas with higher atmospheric pressure that generally indicate fair weather. A type of cloud formation pertains to specific cloud types that may develop in various weather conditions rather than defining a front directly. Lastly, while a weather phenomenon encompasses various events in meteorology, it does not specifically describe what a front is.