single-cell and multicell thunderstorms Flashcards

1
Q

cumulus congestus

A
  • dominated by updrafts
    reaches a height of 1.5 times the cloud base, but then is dissipates due to
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2
Q

cumulus stage

A

-after cumulus congestus dissipates, the air is moist and if updraft persists, new cumulus clouds form
- cumulus will grow if wind-shear is weak

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3
Q

Mature stage

A

Updraft persists but downdraft forms as a result of drag due to rain, ice etc.
- main feature of this stage: existence of updraft and downdraft and precipitation
- weak wind shear causes anvil to form at tropopause

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4
Q

Dissipation stage

A
  • loss of positive buoyancy and moist updraft
    1. storm moves over region where convection is not pronounced
    2. downdraft cuts off updraft
    3. interaction bw updraft and downdraft diminishes updraft
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5
Q

Cell motion vs storm propagation

A
  • cell motion: cells are carried along by the mean winds in the layer containing the storm

cell propagation: due to new updrafts being triggered by a gust front moving with a velocity different from the velocity of the storm
- winds flowing through the cell as opposed to the cell moving with the winds
- new cells form where the warm and moist air is rising

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