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UPSC Prelims 2004 · World Geography · Air, Winds and Climates
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals
- (b) Cirrus clouds exhibit a flat base and have the appearance of rising domes
- (c) Cumulus clouds are white and thin, form delicate patches and give a fibrous and feathery appearance
- (d) Cumulus clouds are classified as high clouds
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals
Cirrus clouds are made of ice crystals, high up.
The idea
Cloud names combine appearance, height and sometimes rain-bearing character. Cold upper air favours ice crystals and thin fibrous clouds. Strong rising parcels favour heaps with a flatter condensation base. Distinguishing shape from height prevents two familiar cloud descriptions from being interchanged.
Why the others are wrong
(b) That describes cumulus.
(c) That describes cirrus.
(d) Cumulus are low to middle clouds.
The trap
(b) and (c) swap the descriptions of cirrus and cumulus.
Also know
Cirrostratus is a high ice-cloud veil that can produce a halo. Altostratus and altocumulus belong to the middle cloud group. Cumulonimbus develops vertically and can bring thunder, lightning and hail. “Nimbus” points to rain-bearing cloud, while the prefix “cirro” points to high cloud.
🔒 Cirrus: high, wispy, ice · cumulus: puffy · stratus: layered · nimbus: rain.
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