Clouds in patches, sheets, or grey or whitish layers resembling large pebbles or rollers and always clear of the ground are known as:

The term that describes clouds appearing in patches, sheets, or as grey or whitish layers, resembling large pebbles or rollers, and remaining clear of the ground is stratocumulus. Stratocumulus clouds typically present as low-level clouds that are fairly lumpy and can cover a significant portion of the sky but do not produce significant precipitation like some other cloud types.

These clouds form in a manner that allows them to appear scattered or in a layer without necessarily descending to connect with the ground. Their distinct appearance allows pilots and meteorologists to identify them as stratocumulus, especially since they are often seen in fair weather conditions. Understanding these cloud formations is essential for pilots, as it aids in predicting weather changes and understanding current conditions during flight.