If clouds form due to stable, moist air being lifted over a mountain, what is likely to be their characteristic?

Study for the Commercial Lighter‑Than‑Air (LTA) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When stable, moist air is lifted over a mountain, the characteristic cloud formation tends to be stratus type clouds. This process is known as orographic lifting, where the air cools as it rises over the terrain, resulting in condensation and cloud formation. Stratus clouds are generally associated with stable air, are characterized by their uniform gray appearance, and typically cover the sky in a layer, leading to overcast conditions.

These clouds form in a more horizontal manner with little vertical development, which is consistent with the lifting of stable air. In contrast, cumulus clouds arise in unstable conditions where there is more vertical movement of air, and they tend to develop significant turbulence. Cirrus clouds, on the other hand, are high-altitude, wispy clouds that form in stable air, but they are not specifically linked to the orographic lift of stable, moist air. Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with strong updrafts and can produce severe weather, but they typically require unstable conditions to form, which is not the case with stable, moist air being lifted.

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