weather theoryFAA-published question bank (Private Pilot, 2008)
The presence of ice pellets at the surface is evidence that there
A
are thunderstorms in the area.
B
has been cold frontal passage.
C
is a temperature inversion with freezing rain at a higher altitude.✓ Correct Answer
Explanation
Ice pellets form when rain falls from a warm layer aloft through a colder layer below and freezes before reaching the ground, so they indicate a temperature inversion with freezing rain (or rain above freezing) at a higher altitude (PHAK Chapter 12). They are not specific evidence of thunderstorms or of a cold front having passed.
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