Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q23 (CDS-I/2023) Geography › World Physical Geography › Atmospheric moisture Answer Verified

Consider the following characteristics of a cloud type: 1. They are born through convection. 2. Only cloud type that can produce hail, thunder and lightning. 3. They are large cauliflower-shaped towers, often 'anvil tops'. Identify the type of cloud on the basis of the given characteristics.

Result
Your answer: —  Â·  Correct: B
Explanation

The characteristics described—convective origin, production of hail, thunder, and lightning, and a cauliflower-shaped tower with an 'anvil top'—uniquely identify the cumulonimbus cloud. These clouds are born through intense convection on moist, hot days [3]. They are the only cloud type capable of producing the full spectrum of thunderstorm phenomena, including lightning, thunder, and hail [5]. Structurally, they exhibit extensive vertical development, often reaching the level of stratospheric stability where they spread out to form a characteristic flat, anvil-shaped top [7]. While other clouds like cumulus congestus may appear cauliflower-shaped, they lack the anvil top and the ability to produce lightning [5]. Cumulonimbus clouds are often referred to as 'the King of Clouds' due to their massive dimensions and the severe weather they generate [5].

Sources

  1. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Thunderstorms and Tornadoes > p. 84
  2. [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 25: Thunderstorm > Stage 2: Mature stage > p. 343
  3. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > THUNDERSTORMS > p. 29
  4. [4] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 14: Climate > Lightning and Thunder > p. 138
  5. [7] https://www.bom.gov.au/resources/learn-and-explore/severe-weather-knowledge-centre/thunderstorms
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
75%
got it right
✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CDS-I · 2024 · Q87 Relevance score: 1.04

Identify the type of cloud on the basis of the given characteristics: 1. High, thin, puffy white clouds of ice crystals that look like ripples 2. They appear between 20000 feet and 40000 feet above the Earth's surface 3. One of its types is called a 'mackerel sky' because the clouds resemble large fish scales, especially when they are coloured pink at sunset.

CDS-I · 2002 · Q65 Relevance score: 0.28

Which one of the following characteristics is not found in the convectional rainfall?

NDA-II · 2009 · Q39 Relevance score: -0.09

Consider the following statements related to stratification of atmospheric layers: 1. All storms and cloudiness are restricted to stratosphere. 2. Cirrus clouds are formed on the top layers of troposphere. 3. Stratosphere is also an ‘isoclinal layer’. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

IAS · 2002 · Q9 Relevance score: -0.50

Consider the following climatic and geographical phenomena: 1. Condensation 2. High temperature and humidity 3. Orography 4. Vertical wind Thunder Cloud development is due to which of these phenomena?