What underlying factor differentiates a cold front from an occluded front?

The factor that differentiates a cold front from an occluded front is the presence of a warm front in between. In meteorology, an occluded front occurs when a cold front overtakes a warm front, causing the warm air to be lifted off the ground between the cold air masses. This is significant as it illustrates how occluded fronts represent a more complex interaction between air masses than cold fronts alone, where cold air moves in and pushes the warm air upwards.

In contrast, a cold front does not involve the interaction with a warm front; it is characterized by the advancement of cold air replacing warmer air. Thus, the correct answer highlights the role of the warm front in the formation of an occluded front, establishing its unique identity in the broader context of frontogenesis. This understanding is crucial for weather forecasting and for interpreting various atmospheric phenomena associated with different types of fronts.