Which condition promotes the development of stratiform clouds?

Stratiform clouds are typically associated with stable atmospheric conditions. In stable air, vertical motion is limited, which allows for the gradual accumulation of moisture and the formation of clouds in layers. This stability prevents strong upward air currents that would lead to the development of more turbulent clouds, such as cumulus clouds, which form under unstable conditions.

Under stable conditions, air may cool slowly as it rises or is lifted, leading to a uniform cloud layer that blankets the sky. This is a key characteristic of stratiform clouds, which often produce steady precipitation rather than the more intense showers associated with more unstable conditions.

In contrast, unstable conditions lead to vigorous vertical motions that create cumulus clouds and can result in thunderstorms, which is not conducive to the layered formation characteristic of stratiform clouds. High wind speeds can also disrupt the gradual layering of clouds, while low humidity levels would not provide the moisture necessary for cloud formation in the first place. Thus, stable atmospheric conditions are the primary factor in developing stratiform clouds.