Q 01/05

Which amateur meteorologist proposed the Latin cloud-naming system in 1802?

A) Francis Beaufort

B) Luke Howard

C) Robert FitzRoy

D) John Dalton

Answer · why

B) Luke Howard

He was a London chemical manufacturer by trade; Goethe was so taken with the scheme he wrote four cloud poems dedicated to him.

Q 02/05

How many basic cloud genera does the modern international classification recognise?

A) Twelve

B) Four

C) Seven

D) Ten

Answer · why

D) Ten

They come from five physical forms sorted by altitude: sheets, heaps, rolls, towers and wisps.

Q 03/05

What does the Latin word 'cumulus' mean?

A) Curl or twist

B) Layer or sheet

C) Heap or pile

D) Rain or shower

Answer · why

C) Heap or pile

Small flat-bottomed cumulus humilis clouds are the classic sign of fair weather.

Q 04/05

The name of the high, wispy cirrus cloud comes from a Latin word meaning what?

A) Curl or fringe

B) Feather or plume

C) Ice or frost

D) Ribbon or band

Answer · why

A) Curl or fringe

Cirrus is made of ice crystals and produces halos and sun dogs when sunlight passes through the hexagonal crystals.

Q 05/05

The prefix in 'stratus' clouds means what?

A) Tower

B) Layer

C) Wave

D) Shadow

Answer · why

B) Layer

They form flat, uniform sheets and rarely manage more than drizzle or a little snow.