The type of cloud characterized by flat bases and a layered appearance is known as stratocumulus. These clouds are typically low-lying and can appear white or gray, often covering the sky in a blanket-like formation. Stratocumulus clouds are commonly associated with stable weather conditions, and they can produce light precipitation, though it is usually minimal. They often form in stable air after a weather front has passed and are prevalent in many regions around the world. The soft, undulating appearances and low altitudes of these clouds distinguish them from other types of clouds, such as cumulus or cirrus.