Clouds Formation

- Genus Stratocumulus (Sc): A cloud layer of limited convection usually in the form of irregular patches or rounded masses similar to altocumulus but having larger elements with deeper gray shading. Opaque stratocumulus associated with a weak frontal or low pressure distrubance can produce very light intermittent precipitation. This cloud often forms under a precipitating deck of altostratus or high based nimbostratus associated with a well-developed warm front, slow moving cold front, or low pressure area. This can create the illusion of continuous precipitation of more than very light intensity falling from stratocumulus.
+ Species Stratocumulus stratiformis (Sc str): Sheets or relatively flat patches of stratocumulus.
+ Species Stratocumulus lenticularis (Sc len): Lens shaped stratocumulus.
+ Species Stratocumulus castellanus (Sc cas): Turreted stratocumulus.