From Cumulus to Cirrus: Exploring the Diversity of the Sky

2. Stratus: The Gray Blanket

Advertisement

Often covering the whole sky, strata clouds are the dark gray layers that bring stillness and sometimes light precipitation. Usually occurring below 6,500 feet, these low-altitude clouds have a homogeneous, featureless look. Unlike the fluffy cumulus clouds, strata clouds have no clear forms or textures; they seem to be a large, gray sheet stretched across the sky, sometimes hiding the sun and depressing the scene. When a lot of air is lifted or when warm air travels over a cooler surface and cools to its dew point, strata clouds develop. This process may occur in several ways, including when moist air is chilled by contact with a cold surface or when warm air rises gently over a sizable region. A particular kind of strata cloud known as fog can develop in coastal regions when moist air cools close to the Earth's surface, therefore impairing visibility and generating an enigmatic environment. Although they might not be as aesthetically appealing as other cloud forms, strata clouds are absolutely vital for our weather patterns. Depending on the temperature, they often bring light drizzle or snow and might last for days, therefore generating extended periods of cloudy weather. From plant development to solar energy generation, this tenacity can have major effects on human activities as well as the surroundings. Additionally affecting local temperatures are strata clouds. These clouds reflect a lot of sunlight back into space during the day, therefore regulating surface temperatures. But at night, they can function as a blanket, retaining heat close to the Earth's surface and so preventing temperatures from falling as much as they would under clear sky.