Question

Clouds are the masses of small water droplets or tiny ice crystals.
(A) Clouds are classified according to their appearance and height.
(B) Cirrus clouds are high altitude clouds, which are usually feathery shaped and composed entirely of ice crystals.
(C) Nimbostratus clouds are mid level clouds producing sporadic rain.
(D) Altocumulus are the heap-like clouds having flat bases and rounded tops.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (D) only
• B. (A), (B) and (C) only
• C. (B), (C) and (D) only
• D. (A), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

Remember the Latin roots for cloud types: \textit{Cirrus} (curl/hair), \textit{Stratus} (layer), \textit{Cumulus} (heap), \textit{Nimbus} (rain), and \textit{Alto} (mid-level). This helps in decoding the descriptions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of basic cloud classification in meteorology.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's evaluate each statement about clouds:

(A) Clouds are classified according to their appearance and height. This is correct. The primary international system of cloud classification uses a Latin-based system that groups clouds by their form (appearance - e.g., cirrus, stratus, cumulus) and their altitude or height (e.g., high, middle, low).
(B) Cirrus clouds are high altitude clouds, which are usually feathery shaped and composed entirely of ice crystals. This is a correct description. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy, and found at high altitudes where temperatures are low enough for them to be made of ice crystals.
(C) Nimbostratus clouds are mid level clouds producing sporadic rain. This is largely correct. Nimbostratus clouds are typically found in the low to middle altitudes and are dark, grey, featureless layers associated with continuous (rather than sporadic or showery) rain or snow. The term "sporadic" might be slightly imprecise, but the classification as a mid-level rain-producing cloud is correct.
(D) Altocumulus are the heap-like clouds having flat bases and rounded tops. This description better fits Cumulus clouds. Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds that appear as white or greyish patches, often in layers or waves with a mottled, lumpy appearance. The classic "heap-like clouds with flat bases and rounded tops" is the definition of Cumulus clouds, which are low-level clouds. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Statements (A), (B), and (C) are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is the one that includes only the correct statements (A), (B), and (C).