World Geography
2019
Climatic Regions

Why are dewdrops not formed on a cloudy night?

C.The Earth’s surface would have low temperature on cloudy nights.
B.Clouds reflect back the Earth’s radiation.
D.Clouds deflect the blowing wind to ground level.
A.Clouds absorb the radiation released from the Earth’s surface.

Correct Answer: Option B

Dew formation is favored by clear skies and calm conditions because the ground cools rapidly through radiation.

On cloudy nights, clouds act as a blanket, reflecting back the Earth's radiation. This prevents the ground from cooling sufficiently for dew to condense.

Therefore, dewdrops are less likely to form on cloudy nights because the clouds prevent the necessary radiative cooling of the Earth's surface.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.