Humidity, Rainfall and Clouds - Practice Test 3

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.Which form of precipitation damages crops by physical impact?

   • A.Drizzle
   • B.Snow
   • C.Hail✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Dew

   Explanation: Large hailstones can destroy standing crops.

2. Q2.Artificial rain is produced by a process called:

   • A.Cloud Seeding✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Evaporation
   • C.Condensation
   • D.Filtration

   Explanation: Cloud Seeding involves sprinkling chemicals (like Silver Iodide) into clouds.

3. Q3.Which chemical is commonly used for Cloud Seeding?

   • A.Sodium Chloride
   • B.Silver Iodide✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Potassium Nitrate
   • D.Calcium Carbonate

   Explanation: Silver Iodide acts as nuclei for ice crystal formation.

4. Q4.What is 'Virga'?

   • A.Rain that evaporates before reaching the ground✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Heavy snow
   • C.Hailstorm
   • D.Fog

   Explanation: Virga is precipitation that falls from a cloud but evaporates in dry air before hitting the ground.

5. Q5.Specific Humidity is defined as:

   • A.Weight of water vapor per unit weight of air✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Volume of water per volume of air
   • C.Percentage of moisture
   • D.Pressure of vapor

   Explanation: It is the mass of water vapor per unit mass of moist air (g/kg).

6. Q6.Which region receives rainfall throughout the year?

   • A.Monsoon Region
   • B.Equatorial Region✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Desert Region
   • D.Mediterranean Region

   Explanation: Equatorial regions experience convectional rain almost every afternoon.

7. Q7.Mediterranean regions are famous for rainfall in which season?

   • A.Summer
   • B.Winter✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Spring
   • D.Autumn

   Explanation: They receive rain in winter due to Westerlies.

8. Q8.A line on a map connecting points of equal relative humidity is called:

   • A.Isobar
   • B.Isotherm
   • C.Isohume✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Isohaline

   Explanation: Isohume lines indicate equal humidity.

9. Q9.The dry side of a mountain range is called:

   • A.Windward side
   • B.Leeward side / Rain shadow✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Cliff
   • D.Plateau

   Explanation: The Leeward side receives very little rain (Rain Shadow).

10. Q10.Thunderstorms are caused by:

    • A.Stable air
    • B.Strong convection (unstable air)✓ Correct Answer
    • C.High pressure
    • D.Cold winds

    Explanation: Rapid rising of warm, moist air creates unstable conditions and thunderstorms.

11. Q11.Which clouds are shaped like a cauliflower?

    • A.Stratus
    • B.Cirrus
    • C.Cumulus✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Alto

    Explanation: Cumulus clouds have a flat base and domed top like a cauliflower.

12. Q12.Fog formed by horizontal movement of warm air over a cold surface is:

    • A.Radiation Fog
    • B.Advection Fog✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Upslope Fog
    • D.Frontal Fog

    Explanation: Advection fog is common at sea or coasts.

13. Q13.Which of these is NOT a form of precipitation?

    • A.Rain
    • B.Hail
    • C.Snow
    • D.Fog✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: Fog is condensation near the ground, it doesn't 'fall'.

14. Q14.Which cloud type is often called 'Mare's Tails'?

    • A.Cirrus✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Cumulus
    • C.Stratus
    • D.Nimbus

    Explanation: The wispy curved tails of Cirrus clouds resemble horse tails.

15. Q15.A sudden, violent rainstorm of short duration is called:

    • A.Drizzle
    • B.Shower
    • C.Squall✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Monsoon

    Explanation: A Squall is a sudden sharp increase in wind speed with rain.

16. Q16.Which region has the lowest rainfall variability?

    • A.Equatorial Region✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Monsoon Region
    • C.Desert Region
    • D.Mediterranean Region

    Explanation: Equatorial regions have consistent, reliable rainfall year-round.

17. Q17.The leeward side of the Western Ghats (Pune) receives less rain because:

    • A.It is a rain shadow area✓ Correct Answer
    • B.There are no clouds
    • C.It is too hot
    • D.It is too high

    Explanation: Mumbai (Windward) gets rain; Pune (Leeward) is in the rain shadow.

18. Q18.What is the primary cause of cloud formation?

    • A.Adiabatic cooling of rising air✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Heating of air
    • C.Wind movement
    • D.Radiation

    Explanation: As air rises, pressure drops, it expands and cools, condensing vapor.

19. Q19.Which type of rainfall is accompanied by a warm front and a cold front?

    • A.Cyclonic / Frontal✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Convectional
    • C.Orographic
    • D.Relief

    Explanation: Frontal rain happens when warm air rides over cold air.

20. Q20.Absolute Humidity is highest at:

    • A.Equator✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Poles
    • C.Deserts
    • D.Mountains

    Explanation: Warm equatorial air holds the most moisture.