What is the transition zone in the atmosphere where an advancing cold air mass sandwiches a warm air mass known as?

The correct answer is Occluded Front.

Key Points

• An Occluded Front occurs when a cold air mass overtakes a warm air mass, forcing the warm air upward and creating a "sandwiched" effect.
• It is a type of weather front formed during the maturation of a low-pressure system, often leading to complex weather patterns.
• Occluded fronts are associated with clouds, precipitation, and sometimes thunderstorms, depending on the moisture content in the air.
• They are commonly depicted on weather maps as a purple line with alternating triangles and semicircles pointing in the direction of movement.
• Occluded fronts are categorized into two types: warm occlusion and cold occlusion, based on the temperature of the overtaking air mass.

Additional Information

• Weather Front:
  • A weather front is a boundary separating two air masses of different densities, typically associated with changes in temperature and humidity.
  • Types of fronts include cold fronts, warm fronts, stationary fronts, and occluded fronts.
• Cold Front:
  • Occurs when a cold air mass moves into a region occupied by a warm air mass.
  • Often results in sudden temperature drops, strong winds, and intense precipitation.
• Warm Front:
  • Occurs when a warm air mass moves over a cold air mass.
  • Characterized by gradual temperature increases, light precipitation, and extended cloud cover.
• Stationary Front:
  • Forms when two air masses meet but neither advances significantly.
  • Can lead to prolonged periods of precipitation and cloudy weather.
• Mid-Latitude Cyclones:
  • Occluded fronts are most commonly observed in mid-latitude cyclones, which are large-scale low-pressure systems.
  • These cyclones play a significant role in transporting heat and moisture across the globe.