"Solid" Stratocumulus stratiformis occurring in a sheet or layer with merged elements

(Section 2.5.2.7.2)

Below the cloud. Viewed from below, the base of this cloud is usually distinct and corrugated. Its true relief is revealed only by differences in luminance.

Within the cloud. This cloud is composed of water droplets, occasionally interspersed with ice crystals when at low temperatures. Raindrops, snow pellets, snow crystals and snowflakes may also be present. The observer has the impression of flying in dense fog. There may be moderate icing, and turbulence is generally moderate.

Above the cloud. Viewed from above, the upper surface sometimes appears flat. Most of the time, however, it is undulated or has long parallel bands. Projections, bulges or domes may be visible. Often, the air immediately above this type of Stratocumulus is hazy. A glory, fog bow and subsun (undersun) may be observed, sometimes simultaneously.

The cloud sheet or layer often closely follows the shape of the terrain. Lighter bulges and darker depressions can give a good indication of topographic features such as rivers, lakes, coasts and hills. The terrain may also be seen through breaks in the cloud.