Skip to content
GK24
Prime
GeographyMediumAsked in: NDA · NDA-II 2018, GAT

Which one of the following types of cloud is characterized by continuous precipitation?

  1. A.Cirrocumulus
  2. B.Cumulus
  3. C.Nimbostratus
  4. D.Cumulonimbus

Correct answer

C. Nimbostratus

Explanation

The correct answer is C, Nimbostratus. Nimbostratus is a thick, dark grey layer cloud that covers the whole sky and gives steady, continuous rain or snow, often for many hours. It forms when a large mass of moist air rises slowly and evenly, usually ahead of a warm front, and it is low and so dense that it hides the sun completely. The word 'nimbus' means a rain-bearing cloud and 'stratus' means a layer, which is exactly what this cloud is. Rain from it is moderate but long-lasting, without thunder or lightning. Option A is wrong because cirrocumulus is a high, thin cloud of small white ripples made of ice crystals; it does not give rain that reaches the ground. Option B is wrong because cumulus is a fair-weather heap cloud with a flat base and a puffy top; it usually brings no rain unless it grows larger. Option D is wrong because cumulonimbus, the thunderstorm cloud, gives heavy but short and showery rain, often with hail, thunder and gusty winds, not continuous precipitation. Exam tip: nimbostratus = long steady rain; cumulonimbus = short heavy showers with thunder and hail.

Practice Questions

View all
Q2.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Himalayan rivers have their origin in the snow-covered areas, hence are dry in winter season. 2. Rivers of the Peninsular Plateau have reached maturity. 3. Himalayan rivers depict all the three stages of normal cycle of erosion. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 2 and 3 only

Himalayan rivers are perennial, so statement 1 is wrong, while statements 2 and 3 are correct. Himalayan rivers such as the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra rise from glaciers and snowfields and also get monsoon rain, so they flow all year round, including in winter.

Q3.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following statements related to latitude are true? 1. Rainfall, temperature and vegetation vary with latitude. 2. The difference between the longest day and the shortest day increases with latitude. 3. Indira Point is located approximately at 6°45' N latitude. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 and 2 only
  2. B.1 and 3 only
  3. C.2 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three statements about latitude are true. Latitude decides how directly the Sun's rays strike a place, so temperature, rainfall and the type of vegetation change from the equator towards the poles, from hot, wet rainforests to cold tundra.

Q4.GeographyAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2017, GKMedium

Which of the following lakes is/are situated in Ladakh? 1. Tso Kar 2. Pangong Tso 3. Tsomgo 4. Tso Moriri Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3
  3. C.1, 2 and 4
  4. D.2 and 4 only
Show answer
Correct answer: C. 1, 2 and 4

Tso Kar, Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are high-altitude lakes of Ladakh, while Tsomgo lies in Sikkim. Pangong Tso, at about 4,350 metres, is a long, narrow lake that stretches from Ladakh into Tibet, and most of its length lies on the Chinese side.