The sky is covered with stratiform clouds. Without measuring, one could reliably guess the atmosphere is
A) stable.
B) unstable.
C) about to produce much rain.
D) metastable.
E) conditionally unstable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stratiform clouds are typically associated with stable atmospheric conditions, indicating a lack of significant vertical motion or turbulence. These clouds form when warm, moist air is forced to rise gradually and cool, leading to the formation of a large, flat layer of clouds. This stable atmospheric condition also makes it unlikely for the clouds to produce much rain or for the atmosphere to be conditionally unstable, which would be indicated by the presence of more convective clouds such as cumulus or cumulonimbus. Therefore, the best choice is A) stable.

The Sky Is Covered with Stratiform Clouds