Key facts
- Abbreviation
- Sc
- Genus
- Stratocumulus (layer heap)
- Species
- Castellanus Floccus Lenticularis Stratiformis Volutus
- Variety
- Duplicatus Lacunosus Opacus Perlucidus Radiatus Translucidus Undulatus
- Altitude
- 500-2,000 m, (2,000-7,000 ft)
- Classification
- Family C (Low-level)
- Appearance
- Thicker, dark gray, and somewhat conjoined heaps of clouds
- Precipitation
- Uncommon Rain , Snow or Snow pellets
via Wikipedia infobox
Article
A stratocumulus cloud [Kämtz 1840], occasionally called a cumulostratus, belongs to a genus-type of clouds characterized by large dark, rounded masses, usually in groups, lines, or waves, the individual elements being larger than those in altocumulus, and the whole being at a lower height, usually below 2,000 metres (6,600 ft). Weak convective currents create shallow cloud layers (see also: sea of clouds) because of drier, stable air above preventing continued vertical development. Historically, in English, this type of cloud has been referred to as a twain cloud for being a combination of two types of clouds.
Description