Humidity, Rainfall and Clouds - Practice Test 5

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

1. Q1.Which of these is a low cloud?

   • A.Stratocumulus✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Cirrus
   • C.Altocumulus
   • D.Cirrostratus

   Explanation: Stratocumulus are low, lumpy layers.

2. Q2.The leeward side of a mountain is dry because air is:

   • A.Descending and warming✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Rising and cooling
   • C.Stationary
   • D.Expanding

   Explanation: Sinking air compresses and warms, evaporating clouds.

3. Q3.Dew point depends on:

   • A.Amount of water vapor✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Wind speed
   • C.Cloud cover
   • D.Time

   Explanation: More vapor means a higher dew point.

4. Q4.Which area has the lowest humidity?

   • A.Hot Deserts✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Rainforests
   • C.Oceans
   • D.Coasts

   Explanation: Deserts have very dry air.

5. Q5.Mammatus clouds are:

   • A.Pouch-like hanging protuberances✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Flat sheets
   • C.Feathery
   • D.Vertical towers

   Explanation: Often associated with severe weather.

6. Q6.Which of these means 'heap' or 'pile'?

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

   Explanation: Cumulus comes from Latin for heap.

7. Q7.Which of these means 'layer'?

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

   Explanation: Stratus means layer.

8. Q8.Which of these means 'curl of hair'?

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

   Explanation: Cirrus is Latin for curl.

9. Q9.Contrails are:

   • A.Artificial clouds from jet exhaust✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Natural clouds
   • C.Fog
   • D.Rain

   Explanation: Condensation trails from planes.

10. Q10.Absolute humidity is inversely proportional to:

    • A.Volume✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Mass
    • C.Temperature
    • D.Pressure

    Explanation: If volume increases (expansion), absolute humidity (g/m3) decreases.

11. Q11.Sleet occurs when:

    • A.Rain freezes as it falls through cold air✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Snow melts
    • C.Hail melts
    • D.Fog freezes

    Explanation: Rain passing through a freezing layer turns to sleet.

12. Q12.Glaze or Freezing Rain happens when:

    • A.Supercooled rain freezes on contact with ground✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Snow falls
    • C.Hail falls
    • D.Dew freezes

    Explanation: Creates a coating of ice (glaze).

13. Q13.What is the Dry Adiabatic Rate?

    • A.10°C/km✓ Correct Answer
    • B.5°C/km
    • C.1°C/km
    • D.20°C/km

    Explanation: Cooling rate of dry unsaturated air.

14. Q14.What is the Saturated Adiabatic Rate?

    • A.~6°C/km✓ Correct Answer
    • B.10°C/km
    • C.1°C/km
    • D.15°C/km

    Explanation: Lower than dry rate because condensation releases latent heat.

15. Q15.Which of these causes 'Haze'?

    • A.Dust, smoke, and dry particles✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Water droplets
    • C.Ice
    • D.Rain

    Explanation: Haze is dry (unlike mist/fog).

16. Q16.The water cycle is driven by:

    • A.Solar Energy✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Wind
    • C.Gravity
    • D.Earth's rotation

    Explanation: Sun evaporates water.

17. Q17.Transpiration is the release of water vapor from:

    • A.Plants✓ Correct Answer
    • B.Oceans
    • C.Soil
    • D.Rivers

    Explanation: Plants release moisture.

18. Q18.Which clouds show 'Mares' tails'?

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

    Explanation: Repeated: Cirrus.

19. Q19.Anvil top is a feature of:

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

    Explanation: The top spreads out like an anvil at the tropopause.

20. Q20.Rainfall that occurs when air is forced to rise by heating is:

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

    Explanation: Heat -> Rise -> Cool -> Rain = Convection.