16. Thunderstorms and Turbulence

Question 1

Cumulonimbus mamma clouds are associated with

Answer 1

Violent thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Cellular pouches hanging beneath the cloud.
Nimbus = rain

Question 2

The mature stage of a thunderstorm begins with ?

Answer 2

Start of precip

Question 3

Which stage of tstorm is associated with downdrafts?

Answer 3

Dissipating

Question 4

T storms which produce the most hazard are?

Answer 4

Squall line Tstorms.
Squall = non frontal narrow band.
Develops ahead of a cold front in moist unstable air.

Question 5

Conditions necessary to form cumulonimbus clouds are?

Answer 5

Lifting action & unstable moist air

Question 6

2 Characteristics of moist unstable air mass?

Answer 6

Cumuliform clouds and showery precip.

Question 7

What clouds have the greatest turbulence?
Cumulonimbus
Towering Cumulus
Nimbostratus

Answer 7

Cumulonimbus
Seen on sunny afternoons.
Turbulence in and below cloud.
Smooth above cloud
Towering cumulous height > Cumulonimbus

Question 8

Weather feature concerning to pilot among a cold front?

Answer 8

Thunderstorms and heavy rain

Question 9

When flying over mtn ranges the greatest potential for danger from turbulent air currents will usually be encountered

Answer 9

On leeward side flying into the wind.
Flying into wind means flying toward mountain where sink can occur.

Question 10

What is base of cumulus cloud if temp = 70 and dewpoint is 48?

Answer 10

70 - 48 = 22
22 / (4.4 F / 1000’) = 5000

Question 11

If there is thunderstorm activity near airport you want to land at, what hazardous phenomenon might be expected?

Answer 11

Wind shear turbulence

Question 12

What cloud types would indicate convective turbulence?
Cirrus, nimbo stratus, towering cumulus

Answer 12

Towerng cumulus

Question 13

When may low level wind shear be expected?

Answer 13

Passing frontal systems
t storms
inversions
strong upper level winds

Question 14

T storms reach their greatest intensity in what stage?

Answer 14

Mature

Question 15

What weather phenomenon is always associated with a t storm?

Answer 15

Lightning

Question 16

What feature is usually associated with the cumulus stage of a t storm?

Answer 16

Continuous updraft

Question 17

K-Index is an indication of

Answer 17

Probability of a t storm
15 = 0% > 40 = 100%

Question 18

Low level turbulence and icing can become hazardous in
upslope fog, rain induced fog, steam fog

Answer 18

Steam fog (sea smoke)
Cold dry air over warm waters

Question 19

If an unstable air mass is pushed upward what type of cloud can be expected

Answer 19

Clouds with considerable vertical development and associated turbulence. Cumulus

Question 20

What is considered to be the most hazardous condition when soaring close to a t storm

Answer 20

Wind shear and turbulence

Question 21

A non-frontal narrow band of active t storms that develops in front of a cold front is?

Answer 21

Squall line

Question 22

When encountering severe turbulence you should

Answer 22

Maintain a constant attitude