What else is a rain cloud called in meteorology?
Correct answer to the quiz question
Nimbus
In meteorology, a typical rain cloud is called a nimbus cloud.
Detailed answer to the quiz question
In meteorology, a typical rain cloud is referred to as a nimbus cloud. The term “nimbus” comes from Latin and means “rain” or “precipitation”. Nimbus clouds are a special type of cloud characterized by their ability to produce precipitation such as rain, snow or hail. Unlike pure cloud types, which only contain water droplets, nimbus clouds have accumulated enough moisture to release rain. These clouds often appear dark gray because the dense moisture blocks sunlight, giving them a menacing appearance.
Nimbus clouds can form at different heights and from different types of clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds (thunderstorm clouds) or nimbostratus clouds (dense, continuous stratus clouds). Nimbostratus clouds are particularly typical during persistent rainfall. They cover large parts of the sky and produce steady, continuous rain, while cumulonimbus clouds are often associated with thunderstorms and heavy showers. These special clouds play a central role in the Earth’s water cycle by bringing evaporated water from the oceans and lakes back to Earth.
