Clouds

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. Clouds come in assorted types. One classification is cloud base height: low, middle-level, high. Which of these is a middle-level cloud? Cirrostratus Altostratus Cumulus Nimbostratus

2. Another classification is stratification: is a cloud flat, or is convective uplift making it "bumpy"? Which of these is cumuliform? (Easy!!) Stratus Cumulonimbus Cirrostratus Nimbostratus

3. Many clouds are difficult to categorise. A common cloud formation has equal characteristics of cumuliform and stratiform. Which is it? (Easy, again!!) Stratocumulus Cumulus Stratus Cirrus

4. Clouds can also be classified by the causation of their formation. This can be by orographic uplift, by frontal uplift, or by convection, and of course by a combination of causes. Which cloud is formed solely by orography (terrain)? Fair-weather cumulus Hill fog Cumulonimbus Cirrus

5. Why do most low-level clouds have flat bases? Uniform decrease of temperature with height 100 percent humidity causes droplet formation Humidity varies little over a few miles All of these

6. In a stable airmass (little convection) with strong winds, it is possible to see this interesting cloud. Noctilucent cloud Cap cloud Scarf cloud Lenticular cloud

7. Dark clouds are caused by the evaporation of dirty water. True False

8. You can get very wet when the main cloud is nimbostratus. True False

9. High atmospheric pressure is usually associated with dry weather. True False

10. The World Meteorological Organization defines standard code listings for all clouds.For example Cumulus is Cu, Altocumulus is Ac. What is the code for cumulonimbus? Cn Cc Ca Cb

11. To generalise, the wettest regions of the world are the tropics, the driest, the poles. What is NOT a reason for this? Warm air contains more water vapour More condensation nuclei in low latitudes Bigger clouds in the tropics More convection with higher temperatures

12. The driest regions always have little cloudiness. True False

13. The largest cloud masses are those associated with low-pressure regions.Why is this? Moister air associated with low pressure Divergence of air in lower levels Convergence of air in lower levels Colder air associated with low pressure

14. What is a cold front? Warm air sliding over cold air Cold air sliding under warm air Cold air sliding over warm air Warm air sliding under cold air

15. What cloud is associated with tornado formation? Nimbostratus Cumulus Cirrus Cumulonimbus