Cloud Identification
Mid Level Clouds
We use the prefix "alto" to indicate mid level clouds. Mid-level clouds offer scientist information about the middle part of the troposphere. Recall that the troposphere is the lowest part of the Earth's atmosphere where conditions support living organisms, although the stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere also play their part supporting life on earth.
Altostratus
Altostratus clouds develop when the middle layers of the atmosphere are moist and are lifted slowly. They generally appear as a flat, featureless dark grey sheet. They rarely block out the sun and are fairly uneventful, although may be the precursors of a rain event.
Altocumulus
Altocumulus clouds tell a completely different story. The presence of altocumulus clouds in the sky means that convection is occurring quite high up. In the summer, altocumulus clouds that rise up in little castle-like turrets (castellanus) may be a precursor to severe weather.
 |
 |
 |
| Altocumulus clouds from below | Visible satellite image | IR satellite image |
Identify Altocumulus Clouds in Satellite Images
The first satellite image is a visible image using reflected light, the second satellite image is an IR image that measures thermal energy.
Use your mouse or finger and slide across the image to fade between the different images.
 |
 |
9 / 12 |  |
 |
