Clouds are the masses of small water droplets or tiny ice crystals.

(A) Clouds are classified according to their appearance and height.
(B) Cirrus clouds are high altitude clouds, which are usually feathery shaped and composed entirely of ice crystals.
(C) Nimbostratus clouds are mid level clouds producing sporadic rain.
(D) Altocumulus are the heap-like clouds having flat bases and rounded tops.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), (B) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), (B) and (D) only

Statement 1: Clouds are classified according to their appearance and height. Correct. Clouds are grouped on the basis of their shape and the altitude at which they occur in the atmosphere.

Statement 2: Cirrus clouds are high altitude clouds, which are usually feathery shaped and composed entirely of ice crystals. Correct. Cirrus clouds form at very high levels of the atmosphere where temperatures are extremely low, so they consist of ice crystals and appear thin and feathery.

Statement 3: Nimbostratus clouds are mid level clouds producing sporadic rain. Incorrect. Nimbostratus clouds usually produce continuous and widespread rainfall rather than occasional or sporadic rain.

Statement 4: Altocumulus are the heap-like clouds having flat bases and rounded tops. Correct. Altocumulus clouds appear as layers of rounded cloud masses and give a heap-like appearance at middle levels of the atmosphere.