Lesson 207 Thunderstorms

Question 1

What are the three stages of thunderstorms?

Answer 1

Cumulus
Mature
Dissipation

Question 2

The cumulus stage of a thunderstorm contains only ______drafts, typically lasts _______ minutes, has ________ precipitation, and turbulence gradually increases from _______ to ________.

Answer 2

Up
10-15 minutes
No precipitation
Moderate to severe

Question 3

The mature stage of a thunderstorm downdrafts form due to the ________ of _________ precipitation. Tops average around _________ ft. Duration is about _______ minutes.

Answer 3

Drag of falling
40,000’
30 minutes

Question 4

List the four conditions essential for the formation of a thunderstorm.
HILC

Answer 4

High moisture content
Lifting process
Condensation nuclei
Instability to a high level

Question 5

List the three types of thunderstorms

Answer 5

Single cell
Multi-cell
Supercell

Question 6

Single cell or air mass thunderstorms are a result of:

Answer 6

Differential daytime heating

Question 7

Describe the single-cell/air mass thunderstorm self-destruct mechanism.

Answer 7

The downdraft circulation induced by the rain shaft destroys the buoyant up drafts that feed it.