Table of Contents
Where in the atmosphere are stratus clouds located?
troposphere
Stratus clouds occur low in the troposphere. They form in layers that spread horizontally and may cover the entire sky like a thick blanket. Stratus clouds that produce precipitation are called nimbostratus.
Where are stratus clouds formed?
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.
What layer of the atmosphere do clouds form?
The troposphere contains about 75% of all of the air in the atmosphere, and almost all of the water vapour (which forms clouds and rain).
Do stratus clouds form in a stable atmosphere?
Any clouds that form as a result will be thin and horizontal such as cirrostratus, altostratus, nimbostratus, and stratus clouds. All of these cloud types are associated with stable air. Fog and haze form in stable atmospheric conditions because of the large scale sinking of air.
Which is the best description of a stratocumulus cloud?
Stratocumulus clouds are hybrids of layered stratus and cellular cumulus, i.e., individual cloud elements, characteristic of cumulo type clouds, clumped together in a continuous distribution, characteristic of strato type clouds. Stratocumulus also can be thought of as a layer of cloud clumps with thick and thin areas.
How are cirrus clouds different from stratus clouds?
Ben Schott, NWS. Cirrus clouds are wispy, feathery, and composed entirely of ice crystals. They often are the first sign of an approaching warm front or upper-level jet streak. Unlike cirrus, cirrostratus clouds form more of a widespread, veil-like layer (similar to what stratus clouds do in low levels).
What does altostratus cloud mean in weather category?
They frequently indicate the approach of a warm front and may thicken and lower into stratus, then nimbostratus resulting in rain or snow. However, altostratus clouds themselves do not produce significant precipitation at the surface, although sprinkles or occasionally light showers may occur from a thick alto-stratus deck.
Where are the cirrus clouds in the sky?
Note: You should be reasonably certain that at least one of the dense Cirrus clouds (H2) in the sky originated from the upper part of a Cumulonimbus. It may be possible to see this development, if a watch can be kept on the sky. These clouds are sufficiently thick to veil the sun, obscure its outline or even hide it.