What describes the formation of stratus clouds?

Stratus clouds are typically formed under conditions where large, stable air layers are lifted gently, usually due to the lifting of air over a topographical feature or as a result of a weather front. This lifting causes the air to cool and condense, leading to the formation of these low-hanging, uniform clouds that often cover the sky in a gray layer.

The key aspect of stratus cloud formation is the stability of the air mass, which allows it to rise without significant turbulence, resulting in the even, sheet-like appearance of the clouds. This is distinct from other types of clouds that are formed from more violent rising air, such as cumulonimbus or cumulus clouds, which develop from rising columns of warm air.

Understanding this process is crucial not only for identifying stratus clouds but also for grasping broader meteorological concepts about the movement and behavior of air masses in the atmosphere.