The Stratus is a nebulous, uniformly grey with no distict features or shape, this makes the cloud in my opinion almost boring. The cloud is very common around the world. The stratus cloud is classified as a low cloud (lower than 2000 meters/ 6600 feet) and contains small water droplets which can cause drizzle or when the temperature is colder, stratus contains snow particles which result in a dark greyish appearance.
It is possible for stratus to form, when a stream of moist hot air rises from the ground and the air pressure is reduced due to lower temperatures. The relative humidity rises and the water particles condensate in the air because of the lower temperatures. Herewith the stratus clouds becomes visible.
Stratus can be distinguished in two different species.
Stratus nebulosus (St neb)
Stratus nebulosus has no distinct features, it appears quite uniformly with a greyish color. this particular cloud can look like fog. The main difference between fog and stratus nebulosus is the nebulosus cloud can stretch a much bigger height. Although from the ground the distinction between the two is not easy to identify.
Quick Facts
Abbreviation: St neb
Altitude: Under 2000 meters (6600 feet)
Precipitation (rainfall): Drizzle or Light snow
Stratus fractus (St fra)
Stratus fractus can have a similar appearnace as the cumulus fractus cloud. Only difference between it is the stratus fractus is much lower in elavation.