What type of clouds is typically associated with a stable atmosphere?

Stratus clouds are typically associated with a stable atmosphere because they form in conditions where there is little vertical movement of air. In a stable atmosphere, the air tends to resist upward motion, which leads to flat, layered cloud formations like stratus. These clouds usually indicate overcast skies and even precipitation under certain conditions, but they lack the vertical development seen in other types of clouds that might be associated with a less stable atmosphere.

In contrast, cumulus clouds often indicate unstable conditions where warm, moist air is rising rapidly, leading to the development of these puffy, towering clouds. Cirrus clouds, while they can occur in stable conditions, are high-altitude clouds that generally indicate fair weather and do not necessarily reflect the atmospheric stability. Thunderstorm clouds, such as cumulonimbus, are a clear sign of instability due to the strong vertical movements and can lead to severe weather phenomena. Thus, stratus clouds serve as a hallmark of a stable atmosphere where the air does not rise significantly.