Stratus clouds are low-lying, flat clouds that often appear as a gray blanket across the sky. They are characterized by their uniform base and horizontal layering.
Key Characteristics of Stratus Clouds:
- Low Altitude: Stratus clouds are the lowest-lying cloud type, sometimes appearing as mist or fog at the surface. [Met Office, NOAA]
- Uniform Base: They have a flat, even base, unlike the puffy cumulus clouds. [Wikipedia, Study.com]
- Gray or White: Their color varies from light gray to nearly white, depending on their thickness and the amount of sunlight passing through. [Study.com]
- Horizontal Layering: They are characterized by horizontal layering, unlike the vertically developed cumulonimbus clouds. [Wikipedia]
- Light Precipitation: Stratus clouds may produce light drizzle or a small amount of snow. [Kiddle]
- Reduced Visibility: Dense stratus clouds can significantly reduce visibility, impacting travel. [Reference 1]
- "High Fog": Sometimes, stratus clouds appear so low they're indistinguishable from fog, earning the nickname "high fog," and can leave the ground feeling damp. [Reference 1]
- Extensive Coverage: A single stratus cloud can stretch across vast distances, even from horizon to horizon. [Sciencing]
Formation:
Stratus clouds form in calm conditions from the lifting and cooling of air. [Met Office] The "strato" prefix indicates their layered nature. [Study.com]
