2023 · Q3
Consider the following characteristics of a cloud type:
- 1They are born through convection.
- 2Only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning.
- 3They are large cauliflower-shaped towers, often 'anvil tops'. Identify the type of cloud on the basis of the given characteristics.
General KnowledgeGeography
- AStratocumulus
- BCumulonimbus
- CCirrocumulus
- DNimbostratus
Explanation
Cumulonimbus is the towering thunderstorm cloud: it develops through strong convection, has a cauliflower-like tower topped by an anvil (ice-crystal spread at the tropopause), and is the only cloud genus that produces hail, thunder and lightning. Stratocumulus and cirrocumulus are layered/patchy low or high clouds without deep vertical growth, and nimbostratus is a featureless rain-bearing layer cloud that cannot produce hail or lightning.