Altostratus

Altostratus in Southeastern Virginia
Compare to stratus and cirrostratus photos to contras the opacity (amount of light reduction) by these clouds. Photo by Lin Chambers.

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.

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.

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.

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		Altostratus in Southeastern Virginia Compare to stratus and cirrostratus photos to contras the opacity (amount of light reduction) by these clouds. Photo by Lin Chambers.

		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.

		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.

		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.