Knowra Stratocumulus cloud Stratocumulus cloud A low-level cloud genus made of broad layers or bands of rounded cloud masses, often separated by gaps. Stratocumulus clouds usually bring little precipitation.
Atmospheric boundary layer : The lowest part of the atmosphere, directly influenced by the Earth's surface. Stratocumulus commonly forms within this turbulent layer, where surface-driven mixing redistributes heat and moisture.
Stratus cloud : A low, uniform cloud layer with little visible structure. Stratus is smoother and more continuous, while stratocumulus has rounded elements or breaks.
Cloud radiative effect : The change in Earth's energy balance caused by clouds reflecting sunlight and absorbing infrared radiation. Stratocumulus strongly reflects sunlight, making its net effect on climate a central concern.
Stratocumulus cloud deck : A widespread, often persistent field of stratocumulus clouds, especially over the ocean. Extensive decks show the genus at its largest and most climatically influential scale.
Temperature inversion : A layer of air in which temperature increases with height, limiting vertical motion. An inversion often caps the cloud layer and helps maintain its broad, shallow shape.
Cumulus cloud : A cloud with distinct heaps or domes, usually formed by rising thermals. Cumulus is more vertically developed and separated into individual clouds than stratocumulus.
Marine cloud brightening : A proposed climate intervention that aims to brighten marine clouds by increasing their droplet number. The proposal targets marine stratocumulus because brighter clouds could reflect more sunlight.
Closed-cell convection : A cellular cloud pattern with cloudy centers and relatively clear boundaries, associated with rising motion at cell centers. Closed cells produce nearly continuous stratocumulus cover punctuated by narrow gaps.
Cloud-top entrainment : The mixing of dry environmental air into a cloud from above. Entrainment can evaporate cloud droplets and alter stratocumulus thickness and persistence.
Altocumulus : A middle-level cloud genus composed of patches or layers of rounded cloud masses. Its rounded elements resemble stratocumulus, but altocumulus forms at greater heights.
Show all 21