Which of the following is the correct order of clouds in ascending ord

Which of the following is the correct order of clouds in ascending order (lowest to highest) of height from surface ?

  • 1. Cirrocumulus
  • 2. Nimbostratus
  • 3. Cirrus
  • 4. Altostratus

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1, 2, 4, 3
2, 4, 3, 1
3, 2, 1, 4
2, 4, 1, 3
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2023
The correct option is D, representing the order 2, 4, 1, 3. This order corresponds to Nimbostratus, Altostratus, Cirrocumulus, and Cirrus, which is generally the ascending order of height from the surface.
– Clouds are classified based on their altitude. Low clouds are typically below 2,000 meters (6,500 ft), middle clouds between 2,000 and 6,000 meters (6,500 – 20,000 ft), and high clouds above 6,000 meters (20,000 ft).
– Nimbostratus (2) is a low-level cloud type, though it can extend vertically through the middle layer. Its base is low.
– Altostratus (4) is a middle-level cloud type.
– Cirrocumulus (1) and Cirrus (3) are high-level cloud types.
– Among the high clouds, Cirrus are generally found at the highest altitudes. Therefore, a typical ascending order is Low -> Middle -> High (Cirrocumulus) -> High (Cirrus).
Cloud classification also includes types based on appearance (e.g., stratus, cumulus, cirrus) and process (e.g., nimbus indicating precipitation). Understanding cloud types and their typical altitudes is important in meteorology and weather observation.
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