QUIZ - 96

The idea for this Quiz on Clouds was planted in my head by a person whose twitter handle is Blue Sky (in translation). Since the last Quiz was on Wind, I decided to do a series on the 5 elements of nature – Wind, Sky (Clouds), Fire, Water and Earth. The Ash Cloud from the erupting volcano in Iceland is a curious coincidence and not the inspiration for this Quiz.

1) First observed only in 1885, these are the highest cloud in earth’s atmosphere at altitudes of 80 km. They are normally too faint to be seen, and are visible only when illuminated by sunlight from below the horizon while the lower layers of the atmosphere are in the earth's shadow. What is the name of this not so well understood cloud?

2) Name this cloud that has been often mistaken for UFO because of its characteristic lens like appearance and smooth saucer-like shape.

3) These clouds form when there are two parallel layers of air that are usually moving at different speeds and in difference directions. What is the name of this cloud that looks like a breaking wave in the ocean?

4) Name this extremely rare cloud that forms when a rush of moist air from the Gulf Stream gets trapped between layers of dry air.

5) Name these thin wispy fair weather clouds

6) Name this smooth cloud that forms on the top of a major geographic feature, like a mountain

7) Seen mostly during winter at high latitudes like Scandinavia, Iceland, Alaska and Northern Canada, these clouds are mostly visible within two hours after sunset or before dawn when they blaze unbelievably bright with vivid and slowly shifting iridescent colours. What are they called?

8) Name this low, horizontal tube-shaped cloud associated with a thunderstorm front

9) Very ominous in appearance these clouds are harmless and are usually seen after the worst of a thunderstorm has passed. What is the name of this cloud with its characteristic pouch like structures?

10) What is the name given to cloud-like vapour trail that forms behind an aircraft flying in cold, clear, humid air from the water vapor contained in the engine exhaust?