Question

The maximum risk to air travel is from ___________.
a)Clouds
b)Rainfall
c)Fogs
d)Strong winds

Answer 1

Hint: Air travel in general is not impacted by weather phenomena. But it can be impacted by a phenomenon occurring on a surface lower to the ground where the plane lands and takes off.

Complete Answer: The atmosphere is divided into various layers. It is on the basis of temperature. The layers the layers are in order as follow:
Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere and thermosphere.
The troposphere is the lowest part of the atmosphere and is therefore the closest layer to the earth’s surface. Most of the weather phenomenon, clouds, rain, snow, occur in this layer only.
The stratosphere is above the troposphere and all flying is done in the lower stratosphere.

Mist and fog describes the low visibility due to water droplets suspended in the air. In case of mist, the visibility is greater than one kilometer. Whereas in case of fog, the visibility is less than one kilometer.
In fog the clouds form at the surface which can impact the conduct of flying operations. It can cause hindrance in landing and take off as both operations require functioning on the ground level.

Looking at the options given:
Option A: Lower stratosphere contains little water vapour and hence, few clouds. Most of the clouds are formed in the troposphere. But aeroplanes fly above the troposphere. So the clouds cannot be a hindrance in air travel. Option ‘A’ is incorrect.
Option B: Aeroplanes fly above the troposphere so rain cannot affect the flying. In addition, rain is not enough to keep the plane from taking off. Option ‘B’ is incorrect.
Option C: Fog forms the cloud on the surface and hence can impact the flying operations like landing and takeoff. So fog can account for maximum risk to air travel. Option ‘C’ is correct.
Option D: Strong winds cannot impact the lift of the planes. Option ‘D’ is incorrect.

Option ‘C’ is correct.

Note: Do not confuse it with rain, winds or clouds as aeroplanes fly above the layer where most of the weather phenomena takes place. The fog is different because it forms on the surface where flying operations like landing and takeoff take place.