Certified Flight Instructor - Flight Instructor Airplane Practice Exam

What atmospheric conditions are typically associated with the formation of stratus clouds?

1. High winds and thunderstorms.

2. Cool, moist air with stable conditions.

3. Warm, dry air mixed with humidity.

The correct answer is: Cool, moist air with stable conditions.

The formation of stratus clouds is primarily associated with cool, moist air combined with stable atmospheric conditions. Stratus clouds typically form when air rises gently, which allows it to cool and condense, resulting in the uniform, layered appearance of these clouds that covers the sky like a blanket. Stable atmospheric conditions indicate that there is little vertical mixing or turbulence, which is conducive to the development of stratiform cloud types. These clouds often bring overcast skies and can lead to light precipitation, such as drizzle or mist, further supporting the presence of moisture in the air. In contrast, high winds and thunderstorms are indicative of more unstable atmospheric conditions, where vertical mixing and strong upward motions would lead to the development of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds rather than stratus. Additionally, warm, dry air mixed with humidity does not provide the necessary conditions for stratus cloud formation, as the presence of dry air typically inhibits cloud development in the first place.