CCQC5

Clouds are classified based on which two main factors?

• Shape and density

• Color and size

• Altitude and shape

• Thickness and precipitation

Answer explanation

Clouds are classified primarily by their altitude (height above ground) and shape (form). This classification helps in understanding weather patterns and cloud formation processes.

Which of the following is NOT one of the basic cloud classifications?

• Stratus

• Cumulus

• Cirrus

• Nimbus

Answer explanation

Nimbus is not a basic cloud classification; it refers to a type of cloud that produces precipitation. The basic classifications are Stratus, Cumulus, and Cirrus.

Which group of clouds is typically found at high altitudes (above 6,000 meters)?

• Cirrus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus

• Altostratus, Altocumulus

• Cumulus, Stratocumulus

• Stratus, Nimbostratus

Answer explanation

Cirrus, Cirrostratus, and Cirrocumulus clouds are high-altitude clouds typically found above 6,000 meters. They are characterized by their thin, wispy appearance and are formed from ice crystals.

Which group of clouds forms in the middle altitude range (2,000 to 6,000 meters)?

• Cirrus and Cirrostratus

• Altostratus and Altocumulus

• Stratus and Stratocumulus

• Cumulonimbus and Nimbostratus

Answer explanation

Altostratus and Altocumulus clouds form in the middle altitude range of 2,000 to 6,000 meters. Cirrus and Cirrostratus are high-altitude clouds, while Stratus, Stratocumulus, Cumulonimbus, and Nimbostratus are either low or vertical clouds.

Which type of cloud is classified as a "vertical development" cloud?

• Stratus

• Cumulonimbus

• Cirrocumulus

• Altostratus

Answer explanation

Cumulonimbus clouds are classified as vertical development clouds because they can grow high into the atmosphere, often associated with thunderstorms. In contrast, stratus, cirrocumulus, and altostratus are more horizontally developed.

Which type of cloud appears as small, rounded patches, often called "mackerel sky"?

• Altocumulus

• Cirrocumulus

• Stratocumulus

• Cumulus

Answer explanation

Altocumulus clouds appear as small, rounded patches and are often referred to as 'mackerel sky' due to their resemblance to fish scales. This distinguishes them from other cloud types like cirrocumulus or cumulus.

What type of clouds are most often associated with fog?

• Stratus

• Altostratus

• Cirrostratus

• Cumulonimbus

Answer explanation

Stratus clouds are low, uniform clouds that often form in stable air and are commonly associated with fog. They create a thick, misty layer that reduces visibility, making them the primary cloud type linked to fog formation.

Clouds that often signal a storm is brewing, with dark bases and towering structures, are called:

• Cumulus

• Nimbostratus

• Stratocumulus

• Cumulonimbus

Answer explanation

Cumulonimbus clouds are characterized by their dark bases and towering structures, often indicating severe weather conditions like storms. They are distinct from other cloud types like cumulus and nimbostratus.

Which clouds often form at the boundary of a warm and cold front, producing continuous precipitation?

• Cumulonimbus

• Nimbostratus

• Cirrostratus

• Altostratus

Answer explanation

Nimbostratus clouds form at the boundary of warm and cold fronts, leading to continuous precipitation. Unlike cumulus or cirrus clouds, nimbostratus is specifically associated with steady rain or snow.

Which cloud type can produce halo phenomena due to the refraction of sunlight through ice crystals?

• Altostratus

• Cirrostratus

• Cirrocumulus

• Nimbostratus

Answer explanation

Cirrostratus clouds are high-altitude clouds composed of ice crystals, which can refract sunlight, creating halo phenomena. This distinguishes them from other cloud types listed.