American Meteorological Society Certification (AMS) Practice 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Low-level layered clouds are primarily characterized by their uniform appearance and relatively extensive coverage of the sky. Stratus clouds are the quintessential example of low-level clouds, typically forming at altitudes below 6,500 feet. They often present as gray, featureless layers that can cover the entire sky, which may bring light precipitation or drizzle.

The formation of stratus clouds is generally associated with stable atmospheric conditions, leading to a gradual cooling of the air near the surface and condensation at lower altitudes. This contrasts with higher-altitude clouds like cirrus and altostratus, which have distinct characteristics and formations. Cumulonimbus clouds, while they can have low-level components, are primarily vertical in structure and indicative of unstable weather, making them primarily associated with severe weather phenomena. Thus, it is the specific attributes of stratus clouds that align with the description of low-level layered clouds.