What are Nimbostratus clouds?

Nimbostratus clouds are low -level clouds that are formed between the surface of the Earth and altitude of 6,500 feet (1,980 m). Like most clouds found in the Earth's atmosphere, Nimbostratus clouds consist of small condensed water droplets or ice crystals. Clouds are commonly classified into a specific type, depending on how they are created, their placement in the sky, their shape and color and the type of weather that is associated with them.

Nimbostratus clouds are formed as the sun warms the ground. The air flowing near the surface of the Earth absorbs this heat as it rises from the ground. The water that forms part of the air rises together with the rest of the air. When the air is cooled to a specific temperature called a dew point, it condenses into water droplets or ice crystals and forms a cloud. If condensation occurs at a temperature above the freezer 32 ° F (0 ° C) the cloud will consist of water drops. If condensation under the frost mark occurs, the cloud will be composed of ice crystals.

In terms of shape, the cloud nimbostratus is formless, flat and layered and is often described as a cloud blanket. This vague shape identifies the cloud nimbostratus as a cloud stratus or a layered cloud. Other types of stratus clouds are Altostratus and Cirrostratus. These other types of cloud form at higher altitudes; However, all three share the properties of horizontal layering and a uniform base. Clouds Nimbostratus almost always occur in the sky with a layer of clouds of virgin, which resembles torn cloud scraps.

Cloud Nimbostratus has a dark gray color. The cause of this color is the presence of moisture content in the cloud. The more moisture in the cloud, the darker the cloud. If the cloud is very dark, it is likely that rain or snow will occur in the near future. The Latin word nimbus actually means rain.

Nimbostratus clouds can produce rain or snow.The type of precipitation created by this cloud may depend on the temperature found at the point in the atmosphere in which the cloud is formed. It may also depend on temperatures that occur between the ground surface and the cloud itself. Rain or snow created by this type of cloud is usually lightweight and may occur for a long time.