What phenomenon is described as a cloud that is low-lying and near the ground?

The phenomenon described as a cloud that is low-lying and near the ground is steam fog. Steam fog typically forms when cool, moist air moves over warmer water, causing the moisture in the air to condense into fog. This type of fog appears near the ground and can create a visually striking misty effect, especially over lakes and rivers.

In contrast, cirrus clouds are high-altitude clouds made of ice crystals that have a thin, wispy appearance and are not found near the ground. Cumulonimbus clouds are large, towering clouds associated with thunderstorms, known for their vertical development and significant height, while stratus clouds are low-hanging clouds that can cover the sky completely but do not create the same kind of steam effect as steam fog does. Thus, steam fog specifically captures the essence of being low-lying and associated with cooler, moist air.