7.9: Clouds

Question 1

What cloud types would indicate convective turbulence?

A. Cirrus clouds.
B. Nimbostratus clouds.
C. Towering cumulus clouds.

Answer 1

Towering cumulus clouds.

Question 2

Clouds are divided into four families according to their

A. outward shape.
B. height range.
C. composition.

Answer 2

height range.

Question 3

The suffix “nimbus,” used in naming clouds, means

A. a cloud with extensive vertical development.
B. a rain cloud.
C. a middle cloud containing ice pellets.

Answer 3

a rain cloud.

Question 4

The conditions necessary for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds are a lifting action and

A. unstable air containing an excess of condensation nuclei.
B. unstable, moist air.
C. either stable or unstable air.

Answer 4

unstable, moist air.

Question 5

What clouds have the greatest turbulence?

A. Towering cumulus.
B. Cumulonimbus.
C. Nimbostratus.

Answer 5

Towering cumulus clouds.

Question 6

At approximately what altitude above the surface would the pilot expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface air temperature is 82°F and the dewpoint is 38°F?

A. 9,000 feet AGL.
B. 10,000 feet AGL.
C. 11,000 feet AGL.

Answer 6

10,000 feet AGL.

Question 7

What is the approximate base of the cumulus clouds if the surface air temperature at 1,000 feet MSL is 70°F and the dewpoint is 48°F?

A. 4,000 feet MSL.
B. 5,000 feet MSL.
C. 6,000 feet MSL.

Answer 7

6,000 feet MSL.

Question 8

Cumulus clouds often indicate

A. possible turbulence.
B. a temperature inversion.
C. a dry adiabatic lapse rate.

Answer 8

possible turbulence.