Stratus Clouds
Stratus clouds are low clouds which form only 2 000 metre high in the atmosphere. These clouds are usually a dark grey or blue colour and because of their low height often produce drizzle rain or a light misting. Stratus clouds are dense thick clouds that cover most of the sky. Due to their thickness, unlike higher clouds, the sun can not be seen or shine through, creating a dark sky.
In warmer climates, the formation of stratus clouds indicate a downfall of rain. In colder climates, they indicate snow. The most common stratus cloud are stratocumulus, however they can turn into nimbostratus clouds which results in light rain to occur. Stratocumulus
Stratocumulus clouds are the clouds you see when you are expecting rain. These clouds are a fluffy shape and grey, blue colour and cover the sky. Sometimes the clouds are patchy and have a rippled appearance, with a variety of greys creating shading. With a moderate amount of water droplets in these clouds, stratocumulus clouds bring with them a light drizzle of rain. Sometimes stratuscumulus clouds are confused for fog due to their low level, however unlike fog, these clouds never touch the ground. If startocumulus clouds are the only clouds in the atmosphere, it is possible for the light of the sun or moon to shine through. However, if there are other clouds above these low lying clouds, the atmosphere will be dark. Nimbostratus Clouds
Nimbostratus clouds are developement of stratuocumulus clouds. They are much lower, almost touching the ground, darker gray and appear more dense and 'wet' looking. These clouds are spread out and carry more rain than the stratocumulus clouds. These clouds rain more than the stratocumulus clouds because they carry more water droplets and ice crystals. |
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