MCQ Detailed View

A nephoscope is a specialized instrument used in meteorology to measure the direction and speed of cloud movement in the atmosphere. Understanding cloud motion is important because it provides valuable information about wind patterns, air currents, and upcoming weather changes. The instrument helps meteorologists study how clouds move across the sky and make predictions about rainfall, storms, and climate behavior.

The nephoscope typically consists of a circular or semicircular scale, often marked in degrees, and a sighting device or mirror that allows observers to track the position of clouds over time. By recording the cloud’s position at regular intervals, the nephoscope can determine both the direction (using compass bearings) and the speed of cloud movement. This data is crucial for understanding wind patterns at various altitudes and for analyzing phenomena like jet streams and cyclones.

It is important to note the differences between the options:

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  Stethoscope: A medical instrument used for listening to heart and lung sounds.

  
  


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  Metroscope: Not a standard instrument for cloud observation.

  
  


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  None of the above: Incorrect because the nephoscope is the correct answer.

  
  

Nephoscopes play a significant role in environmental and atmospheric studies, linking weather observation with physics concepts like air pressure, convection currents, and the water cycle. Observing cloud motion with a nephoscope also supports aviation safety, agricultural planning, and climate monitoring. By providing quantitative measurements of cloud direction and speed, the nephoscope helps scientists create accurate weather forecasts and improve our understanding of atmospheric dynamics.