What type of front is characterized by a darkening horizon and is associated with good weather when it passes?

• A. Warm front
• B. Cold front
• C. Occluded front
• D. Stationary front

Answer: (B)

A cold front is associated with a sharp temperature drop as it passes, often bringing significant weather changes. When a cold front moves through, it typically causes the sky to darken and can lead to precipitation, but once it has passed, it frequently results in clearer skies and more stable, cooler weather.

The reason behind this pattern is that cold fronts are often accompanied by cumulus clouds and thunderstorms, which dissipate after the front moves past. As a result, the darkening horizon seen prior to the front's arrival signifies impending weather, while the improved conditions afterwards are characteristic of the passage of a cold front.

In contrast, warm fronts usually bring gradual temperature increases with prolonged precipitation and are likely to remain overcast even after moving through. Occluded fronts involve complex interactions between cold and warm air masses and can lead to varying weather, while stationary fronts tend to linger in an area, maintaining the same weather conditions without significant improvement. Thus, the clarity of the skies and improved weather following the passage of a cold front makes it the correct choice.