Clouds

Question 1

What are the four cloud families based on their classification?

Answer 1

• HIGH (above 20,000 feet)
• MIDDLE (6,500 feet to 20,000 feet)
• LOW (having bases below 6,500 feet)
• VERTICALLY DEVELOPED (having bases in the low and middle range)

Cloud tops are not considered in this classification.

Question 2

What is the significance of the prefix ‘CIRRO’ in cloud nomenclature?

Answer 2

It means high

‘ALTO’ means middle.

Question 3

What are the two basic forms of clouds?

Answer 3

• LAYER (also called STRATOFORM)
• HEAP (also called CUMULOFORM)

Layer clouds are horizontally developed, while heap clouds are vertically developed.

Question 4

What type of clouds are named with ‘NIMBO’?

Answer 4

Clouds that produce precipitation

This indicates their ability to generate rain or other forms of precipitation.

Question 5

How are high cloud types identified?

Answer 5

• Cirrus (Ci)
• Cirrostratus (Cs)
• Cirrocumulus (Cc)

These types are recognized by their high altitude and specific characteristics.

Question 6

Describe Cirrus clouds.

Answer 6

Fibrous wisps of delicate white cloud formed by ice crystals

They may appear as isolated tufts or streaks with upturned ends.

Question 7

What is a characteristic of Cirrostratus clouds?

Answer 7

A thin whitish veil through which the Sun or Moon can be seen

They can give rise to halos and may create a milky appearance.

Question 8

What do Cirrocumulus clouds resemble?

Answer 8

Small rounded masses or white flakes with slight or no shadows

They are arranged in groups or lines with ripples.

Question 9

What is the appearance of Altostratus clouds?

Answer 9

A thick veil of cloud usually grey, sometimes steely or bluish

They cover the whole sky and may change into nimbostratus.

Question 10

What defines Altocumulus clouds?

Answer 10

A layer or series of patches of rather flattened rounded masses of cloud

Arranged in groups, lines, or waves, sometimes with edges that join.

Question 11

What is a Stratus cloud?

Answer 11

A uniform layer of cloud resembling fog but not resting on the ground

Drizzle often falls from stratus clouds.

Question 12

What happens to Stratus clouds when they are broken up by wind over rough ground?

Answer 12

They are called STRATUS FRACTUS

This indicates a change in their structure due to environmental conditions.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Layer clouds are also called _______.

Answer 13

STRATOFORM

This term highlights their horizontal development.

Question 14

Fill in the blank: Heap clouds are also known as _______.

Answer 14

CUMULOFORM

This term refers to their vertical development.

Question 15

True or False: Cloud tops are considered in the classification of cloud families.

Answer 15

False

Only the bases of the clouds are considered in this classification.

Question 16

What is the appearance of stratus clouds from above?

Answer 16

Almost flat and rolling appearance

If the cloud is seen down to the surface, it should be called FOG.

Question 17

What type of precipitation does Nimbostratus (Ns) produce?

Answer 17

Continuous rain or snow

Nimbostratus clouds are dark grey and nearly uniform.

Question 18

How can Stratocumulus (Sc) clouds be distinguished from stratus clouds?

Answer 18

By their rolling or patchy appearance

Stratocumulus clouds may show considerable shading and often have blue sky showing through.

Question 19

What are the characteristics of Vertically Developed Cumulus (Cu) clouds?

Answer 19

Dense clouds with vertical development, bases are almost horizontal, tops are rounded

Cumulus clouds appear white with sunlight but may be dark when viewed from below.

Question 20

What is the term for ragged and changing fragments of cumulus clouds?

Answer 20

Cumulus Fractus

These clouds are characterized by their fragmented appearance.

Question 21

What distinguishes Towering Cumulus (TCU) from regular cumulus clouds?

Answer 21

Towering Cumulus extends to higher altitudes

These clouds have significant vertical development.

Question 22

Describe Cumulonimbus (Cb) clouds.

Answer 22

Heavy masses of cloud, vertical development, summits rise in mountains or towers

Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and may contain hail.

Question 23

What is the typical shape of the top of Cumulonimbus clouds?

Answer 23

Anvil shaped top

This shape is due to the presence of ice crystals in the upper parts of the cloud.

Question 24

What type of precipitation is produced by Nimbostratus clouds?

Answer 24

Heavy, continuous precipitation

Nimbostratus clouds are associated with uniform, dark cloud layers.

Question 25

What does Stratiform type cloud produce?

Answer 25

Continuous precipitation ## Footnote Stratiform clouds are typically uniform and extensive.

Question 26

What type of turbulence can Cumulus clouds indicate?

Answer 26

Moderate to severe turbulence ## Footnote Cumulus clouds are often associated with unstable air conditions.

Question 27

True or False: Cumulonimbus clouds indicate smooth flying conditions.

Answer 27

False ## Footnote Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with severe turbulence and thunderstorms.

Question 28

What does the presence of stratus clouds indicate for flying conditions?

Answer 28

Smooth flying ## Footnote Stratus clouds are generally associated with stable air and less turbulence.

Question 29

How does the turbulence under Stratocumulus clouds typically present?

Answer 29

Light to moderate turbulence ## Footnote Stratocumulus clouds can indicate some instability but are generally less turbulent.

Question 30

What is the appearance of Altocumulus Castellanus (ACC) clouds?

Answer 30

Middle level cumulus cloud layer with protruding turrets ## Footnote These clouds can indicate instability in the atmosphere.