Which one of the following clouds is a rain-bearing cloud?

Clouds are classified based on their height, expanse, density, and transparency into four basic types: cirrus, cumulus, stratus, and nimbus [4]. The term 'nimbus' is derived from Latin, specifically meaning 'rain-bearing' [6]. Nimbus clouds are described as shapeless, thick masses of vapor that are extremely dense and opaque to sunlight [1]. While other cloud types like cumulus and stratus can develop into rain-producing forms (such as cumulonimbus or nimbostratus), the 'nimbus' designation specifically identifies the rain-bearing characteristic [4]. Nimbostratus clouds typically produce long-duration rainfall, whereas cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation [3]. In contrast, cirrus clouds are high-altitude ice crystal clouds that do not produce rain, and basic stratus or cumulus clouds are often associated with fair weather or only light drizzle [2].

Sources

1. [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: Water in the Atmosphere > Clouds > p. 87
2. [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 24: Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) > Clouds > p. 333
3. [5] https://www.bom.gov.au/weather-services/about/cloud/cloud-types.shtml
4. [6] https://www.weather.gov.sg/learn_clouds/
5. [1] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 10: Water in the Atmosphere > Nimbus > p. 88
6. [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 24: Hydrological Cycle (Water Cycle) > Types of Clouds > p. 335