Moderate turbulence differs from light turbulence in that it:

Moderate turbulence is characterized by its ability to cause larger and more abrupt changes in an aircraft's altitude and vertical speed compared to light turbulence, while still allowing pilots to maintain positive control of the aircraft. This means that although the aircraft may experience noticeable and sometimes uncomfortable movements, the pilots can effectively manage the aircraft's trajectory without losing control.

In contrast, light turbulence typically results in minor changes that are easily handled by the aircraft's control systems, providing a generally smoother ride. The distinction between moderate and light turbulence is crucial for pilots in order to anticipate the conditions that they might face and to appropriately brief and manage passenger expectations.

The other options address aspects that do not accurately define the differences in turbulence categories. For instance, turbulence can occur at various altitudes, and the intensity of moderate turbulence is greater than that of light turbulence, which rules out those alternatives. While turbulence can be associated with thunderstorms, it is not a defining characteristic that distinguishes moderate turbulence from light turbulence specifically.