Cloud Formation and Precipitation: DGCA Aviation Meteorology questions

Question 1

If you observe drizzle falling, the cloud above you is most likely to be:

Accepted Answer

ST

Answer

AS

Answer

CU

Answer

NS

Question 2

Turbulence cloud is usually a sheet of stratus, stratocumulus some 2000 ft thick with a flat top because:

Accepted Answer

turbulence steepens the lapse rate producing an inversion above the friction layer

Answer

the air is usually at low temperatures containing little water vapour

Answer

air is not allowed to remain in contact with the surface due to the strong wind thus maintaining cool surface air with warm air above

Answer

the lapse rate becomes stable in the friction layer, due to turbulent mixing

Question 3

Clouds formed by convection will always:

Accepted Answer

have a rising cloud base and may develop into CB as the day progresses

Answer

be layer clouds

Answer

be CU, CB or NS

Answer

form only in Polar maritime air

Question 4

With reference to anticyclones affecting the UK, which of the following statements is correct?

Accepted Answer

Apart from turbulence cloud, the formation of all other cloud types is unlikely in anticyclonic conditions

Answer

The pressure gradient is greatest towards the centre of the anticyclone

Answer

Anticyclones are more common in winter than they are in summer. This is why radiation fog is much more frequent in the winter

Answer

Warm anticyclones are those which are caused by the extreme air density associated with warmer weather

Question 5

The type of cloud from which continuous moderate or heavy rain is likely to fall is:

Accepted Answer

nimbostratus

Answer

large cumulus

Answer

altostratus

Answer

cumulonimbus

7 more questions in this chapter