Stratus and cumulus are types of which category of clouds?

Stratus and cumulus clouds fall into different categories based on their appearance and altitude. Stratus clouds are typically found at lower altitudes and appear as uniform gray sheets, often covering the sky and bringing overcast weather. Cumulus clouds, on the other hand, are considered to be low-level clouds, characterized by their fluffy, white appearance with a flat base.

The classification of clouds into different levels—high, mid, and low—relates to the altitude at which they form. High-level clouds, for example, are found at heights of 20,000 feet or higher and include cirrus and cirrostratus clouds. Mid-level clouds, reaching altitudes from 6,500 to 20,000 feet, primarily include altostratus and altocumulus. Low-level clouds, which include stratus and cumulus, typically form below 6,500 feet.

In this context, identifying stratus and cumulus clouds as types of low-level clouds is accurate because they both generally form at altitudes below that of the mid-level clouds. This distinction is crucial for understanding cloud classification and weather patterns.