What does the term "raucous" describe?

The term "raucous" refers to sounds that are harsh, loud, and often disorderly in nature. It is used to describe noise that is strident and can be unpleasant, often associated with chaos or a lack of harmony. This aligns perfectly with the meaning of the word, which evokes an image of disruptive and aggressive sounds, such as the loud crowing of a crow or rowdy behavior in a crowd.

In contrast, the other options relate to sounds that are typical of pleasantness, calmness, or softness, which are completely opposite to the qualities denoted by "raucous." Therefore, recognizing that "raucous" embodies the essence of loud and disordered noises confirms that B is indeed the correct answer.