What type of front is characterized by a complex combination of boundaries between various air masses?

An occluded front is characterized by a complex interaction between different air masses, which typically occurs in the latter stages of a mid-latitude cyclone. In this scenario, a cold front catches up to a warm front, lifting the warm air mass off the ground. This results in the warm air being trapped between the cooler air masses, leading to a mix of characteristics from both air masses, which can produce varied weather patterns. The formation of an occluded front often leads to significant precipitation and changes in weather, as it represents an intricate boundary where multiple air masses overlap and interact.

In contrast, a warm front typically involves a smooth transition where warm air rises over a cold air mass, leading primarily to gentle rain and overcast skies. A cold front moves in a more aggressive manner, forcing warm air upwards, often resulting in thunderstorms. A stationary front occurs when two air masses meet but do not move, which can lead to prolonged weather conditions in one area. These other types of fronts do not demonstrate the same complexity in the interaction of multiple air masses as seen in an occluded front.