What type of cloud is a stratus cloud?

Clouds can be a mixture of two types at the same time, so you can also get strato-cumulus clouds or strato-nimbus clouds. A strato-nimbus cloud is a stratus cloud that has rain falling out of it. A strato-cumulus cloud is a stratus cloud that covers the whole sky, but is still puffy like a cumulus cloud. read more

Stratus clouds are low-level clouds characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective or cumuliform clouds that are formed by rising thermals. More specifically, the term stratus is used to describe flat, hazy, featureless clouds of low altitude varying in color from dark gray to nearly white. read more

The nimbostratus cloud is a mid-altitude cloud, occurring higher in the atmosphere than stratus clouds do. Another type of stratus cloud is the altostratus cloud. These clouds have a blue appearance, and also occur at low altitudes. read more

Cumulus clouds are fair-weather clouds. When they get big enough to produce thunderstorms, they are called cumulonimbus. These clouds are formed by upwelling plumes of hot air, which produce visible turbulence on their upper surfaces, making them look as though they are boiling. read more