Which meteorological event is characterized by a rapid temperature drop followed by a sudden drop in pressure?

Prepare for the 106 Surface Observation Fundamentals Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations. Boost your study efficiency today!

A rapid temperature drop followed by a sudden drop in pressure is indicative of an approaching cold front. This meteorological event occurs when a mass of cooler, denser air pushes into a region occupied by warmer air. As the cold front advances, it forces the warm air to rise abruptly. This lift can lead to a quick decrease in temperature as the cooler air replaces the warmer air.

The sudden drop in pressure that follows is a result of the changing air masses and the dynamics of the cold front's movement. When the cold front approaches, atmospheric pressure can decline sharply, giving rise to dynamic weather conditions, often accompanied by storms or precipitation.

In contrast, an approaching warm front typically leads to a gradual increase in temperature and a more gradual decrease in pressure, while stationary and occluded fronts involve different atmospheric configurations that do not match the rapid temperature and pressure changes described. Thus, the characteristics of a cold front align well with the events outlined in the question.

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