What do stratus clouds form

Because stratus clouds are typically fog that has been elevated, they usually do not bode precipitation. At the most, stratus clouds might bring a drizzle. A type of stratus cloud, nimbostratus, do bring precipitation.

Weather associated with nimbostratus clouds might be rain or snow. These clouds are so named because nimbus means rain in Latin. They are dark gray and typically rest in lower altitudes, no higher than 8, ft. Yet another form of stratus cloud is the combination of a stratus cloud and a cumulus cloud, called a stratocumulus cloud. Stratocumulus clouds bring light precipitation, often a drizzle, and are found at the same elevation as nimbostratus clouds.

They are somewhat fluffy, due to their cumulus nature, but darker than typical cumulus clouds. Generally, stratocumulus clouds do not bring much in terms of weather; they are used to predict dull weather. With these clouds, the position of the moon or sun can still be observed from the surface of the earth. This is the only patterned variation of stratus clouds.

They are a rare variety of the stratus nebulosus species and can produce mild undulations. This means that they are not static as they can move smoothly up and down along a pattern. Stratus clouds have only one additional feature, which is the Stratus Praecipitatio.

These can produce light drizzle and grain. The stratus cloud shares similarities with the nimbostratus cloud. Although they both vary in terms of precipitation, they are featherless clouds. While the stratus clouds produce light precipitation, the nimbostratus clouds can produce heavy downpours. Share with your loved ones, friends, and colleagues so that they can also learn about the stratus cloud.

Download our app. July 23, 5 min read. What Are Stratus Clouds? Learn how your comment data is processed. Stratus clouds — A blanket of cloud — Weather science. Stratus clouds thanks to NASA. Strato-cumulus cloud from NASA. Cite this page: Carr, K. November 1, About the Author: Karen Carr. Related Posts. Why is the sky blue? Weather science. August 20th, 0 Comments. Often the scene of dull, overcast days in its 'nebulosus' form, they can persist for long periods of time.

They are the lowest-lying cloud type and sometimes appear at the surface in the form of mist or fog. Stratus clouds form in calm, stable conditions when gentle breezes raise cool, moist air over colder land or ocean surfaces. These clouds can exist in a variety of thicknesses and are sometimes opaque enough to darken days, allowing for little light to pass through.