Which of the following describes a stationary front?

• A. A boundary that moves rapidly
• B. A boundary that dissipates quickly
• C. A boundary that remains stationary for an extended period
• D. A boundary that forms only over oceans

Answer: (C)

A stationary front is a boundary between two different air masses that remains in roughly the same place for an extended period. This happens when the forces from each air mass balance out and the winds on both sides blow more parallel to the boundary, so neither air mass advances. Because the front doesn’t move much, weather along it can stay steady for days, often bringing prolonged clouds and precipitation. The other descriptions describe fronts that move quickly, fade away, or form only over oceans, which aren’t defining traits of a stationary front. So the description that the boundary stays in the same location for a long time best captures what a stationary front is.