S'COOL: Altostratus Clouds

image of altostratus clouds in Southeastern Virginia
Altostratus in Southeastern Virginia

Compare to stratus and cirrostratus photos to contrast the opacity (amount of light reduction) by these clouds. Photo by Lin Chambers.

image of Altocumulus during Virginia Summer
Altostratus during California Winter

This is a good example of an altostratus layer: very flat cloud with just a bit of contrast visible. Note the shadowing on the church tower which indicates a fair amount of sunlight is getting through. Without that clue, and the small blue area at top left, this could easily be mistaken for low level stratus. Photo from St. Anne School, Porterville, CA. 2nd place in Jan 2003 S'COOL cloud photo contest.

image of altostratus clouds with waves
Altostratus with Waves

This is NOT a typical altostratus cloud, but it wins points for the eye-catching factor. Since it is overcast, we chose it for the altostratus category. Photo from St. James School, Falls Church, VA. 1st place in Jan 2003 S'COOL cloud photo contest.

image of altostratus clouds with Trees
Altostratus with Tree

Another very typical stratus cloud, with little contrast in the cloud. Classification as altostratus was made by the extent to which light is penetrating the cloud near the tree trunk. Photo from St. James School, Falls Church, VA. 3rd place in Jan 2003 S'COOL cloud photo contest.