Stratus clouds are the same as stratiform clouds.
Stratiform clouds which are also called stratus clouds, themselves come in four varieties: cirrostratus, altostratus, stratus and nimbostratus.
Some of these stratus clouds provide a strong indication of approaching precipitation, while others produce precipitation.
An example of a stratiform cloud is a stratus cloud.
Other examples of stratiform clouds are cirrus clouds, cirrostratus clouds, altostratus clouds and nimbostratus clouds.
Stratiform clouds are cloud formations which are not vertically developed.
The stratiform clouds are formed in relatively stable conditions, where lifted air will be restricted, and instead be spread out horizontally.
The cloud base may also be quite low, if not actually touching the ground (fog).
Stratus clouds are the ones we see on overcast days when the sky is one big featureless expanse of grey.
Like cumulus clouds, the stratus clouds form low in the sky — so low, in fact, that they often touch the ground, producing dense fog.
Stratiform clouds which are also called stratus clouds, themselves come in four varieties: cirrostratus, altostratus, stratus and nimbostratus.
Some of these stratus clouds provide a strong indication of approaching precipitation, while others produce precipitation.
Stratiform or stratus clouds indicate stability. Stratus means layered.
Cumuliform or cumulus clouds are "puffy" and indicate instability. - Precipitating stratiform clouds produce rain or snow, while precipitating cumuliform clouds produce showers.
If the warm air overrid- ing the front is stable, stratiform clouds develop.
If the warm air is unstable, cumuliform clouds develop.
Precipitation from stratiform clouds is usually steady and there is little or no turbulence.
Cumuliform clouds occur in unstable atmospheric conditions and are formed with buoyant air parcels undergoing convection, while more layered stratiform clouds occur in stable atmospheric conditions.