What is the description of stratus?
Definition of stratus : a low cloud form extending over a large area at altitudes of usually 2000 to 7000 feet (600 to 2100 meters) — see cloud illustration.
What are 3 facts about stratus clouds?
Here are some interesting facts about stratus clouds:
- Stratus clouds have flat layers and uniform bases, with no visible clumps or lumps.
- They produce light precipitation in terms of drizzle and snow.
- They accompany foggy weather conditions.
- Stratus clouds can last for about 6 to 12 hours in the atmosphere.
What is unique about stratus clouds?
The formless, dense blanket of gray covering the sky and creating a mild but palpable sense of gloom is composed of stratus clouds. They aren’t rain clouds, but they can create a fine mist and, if they are dense enough and conditions are right, it will rain.
What are the weather conditions of stratus clouds?
Stratus clouds tend to be featureless, low altitude clouds that cover the sky in a continuous blanket of white or grey. Stratus cloud is thin, so while conditions may feel gloomy, rain is unlikely, and at most, even when at its thickest, will be a light drizzle.
How fast do stratus clouds move?
Typically, clouds move at an average speed of 30-250mph. However, it can change according to the situation and wind conditions. There are different factors that influence the speed of cloud movement.
Are stratus clouds rain clouds?
Stratus cloud often look like thin, white sheets covering the whole sky. Since they are so thin, they seldom produce much rain or snow. Sometimes, in the mountains or hills, these clouds appear to be fog.
Are stratus clouds dense?
These clouds appear frequently in the atmosphere, either ahead of or behind a frontal system. Nimbostratus clouds are generally thick, dense stratus or stratocumulus clouds producing steady rain or snow .
Is a stratus cloud high or low?
low
Found at very low levels (less than 2000 meters, or 6500 feet), stratus clouds are thick, large, heavy-looking gray clouds that dominate the sky. Precipitation normally does not occur with this cloud, although drizzle or mist may be observed.
How do you identify a stratus cloud?
How to Identify Cloud Types
- Stratus clouds are uniform grayish clouds that often cover the sky. Usually no precipitation falls from stratus clouds, but they may drizzle.
- Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds blown by high winds into long streamers.
- Cumulus clouds are puffy and can look like floating cotton.
Are stratus clouds thick or thin?
Stratus cloud often look like thin, white sheets covering the whole sky. Since they are so thin, they seldom produce much rain or snow.
How do stratus clouds move?
Stratus clouds form when weak vertical currents lift a layer of air off the ground and it depressurizes, following the lapse rate. This causes the relative humidity to increase due to the adiabatic cooling.
What type of cloud is a stratus cloud?
Stratus clouds are a type of low-level cloud, occurring below 6,000 feet. They are characterized by uniform layers of grayish clouds. Stratus cloud layers are generally thin but cover the entire sky, known as overcast.