EASA ATPL — Meteorology (050) Exam Prep

Correct answer: B. 11 km (36,000 ft)

In the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA), the tropopause is at 11 km (36,089 ft) at mid-latitudes. The tropopause height varies with latitude: approximately 16–18 km over the equator (due to strong convection), 11 km over mid-latitudes, and as low as 8–9 km over the poles (in winter). The jet stream is typically found just below the tropopause.

Correct answer: B. Cumulonimbus clouds, associated with thunderstorms, severe turbulence, and icing

In METAR/TAF reports, 'CB' indicates cumulonimbus clouds. These are the only cloud type (along with TCU — towering cumulus) specifically reported in METARs because of the severe hazards they pose: thunderstorms, severe turbulence, heavy precipitation, hail, lightning, microbursts, and severe icing. Example: BKN040CB means broken cumulonimbus at 4,000 ft AAL.

Correct answer: B. The jet stream, particularly on its cyclonic (polar) side

CAT is most commonly found near the jet stream, particularly on the cyclonic (low-pressure/polar) side where the horizontal and vertical wind shear is greatest. It is most severe where the jet stream curves cyclonically, at confluent or diffluent points in the jet, and near jet streaks. CAT occurs in clear air with no visual warning and can be severe enough to cause structural damage.

Correct answer: B. Clear (glaze) ice

Clear ice (glaze ice) forms when large supercooled water droplets strike the aircraft and spread before freezing. It is the most dangerous form of icing because it forms a smooth, heavy, transparent layer that closely conforms to the aircraft surface, making it difficult to detect, and it significantly disrupts airflow. It builds rapidly and is hard to remove. It is most commonly found in cumuliform clouds and near the freezing level.

Correct answer: B. A cold front catches up with a warm front, lifting the warm air off the surface

An occlusion occurs when a cold front (which moves faster) catches up with the warm front ahead of it, lifting the warm sector air entirely off the surface. There are two types: a cold occlusion (where the air behind the cold front is colder than the air ahead of the warm front) and a warm occlusion (where the air behind the cold front is warmer). Occluded fronts are common in mature mid-latitude depressions.

Correct answer: B. There is a 40% probability of temporary thunderstorms with rain between 12:00 and 18:00 UTC on the 6th

PROB40 indicates a 40% probability of the forecast conditions occurring. TEMPO means the conditions are expected to be temporary (lasting less than one hour at a time, or less than half the period). 0612/0618 is the validity period (12:00 to 18:00 UTC on the 6th). TSRA means thunderstorms with rain. So: 40% probability of temporary thunderstorms with rain between 12:00 and 18:00 UTC on the 6th.