Thunderstorms Flashcards
What is the definition for a thunderstorm?
One or more sudden electrical discharges
What are the three things needed for a thunderstorm?
Unstable air - moisture - trigger for rising air
During an initial stage of a storm what happens to the air?
Updraughts
How long does the initial stage of a thunderstorm last?
15-20mins
What happens to the air in the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
Up draughts and down draughts.
What weather occurs in the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
Precipitation,
What weather occurs in the mature stage of a thunderstorm?
Precipitation.
How long does the mature stage last in a thunderstorm?
15-30 minutes.
How long does the dissipating stage last for a thunder storm?
1.5 to 2 hours.
What is the direction of a thunderstorm?
Wind at 10000ft
What does a supercell cause?
Tornados
When are single cell thunderstorms formed?
Warm and humid summer days.
What is a mesoscale convective system?
Collection of thunderstorms that act as a system.
What is a mesoscale convective complex?
Large circular cluster of thunderstorms.
What does a gust front create?
Turbulence and roll clouds.
How long do micro bursts last for?
5mins
How kong does a macro burst last for?
5-20mins.
At what diameter does a microbirst become a macroburst?
4km.
What occurs at low levels and has 50kts of wind?
Downbursts.
What can virga generate?
Intense down draughts.
What altitude is hail most likely in a cb?
Above FL200
What can static electricity occur?
St Elmo’s fire
What speed is a tornado?
200knots.
What seasons do you see tornadoes?
Spring and summer.
How high do dust devils climb?
650ft.
What does a storm scope show?
Lightening
Which of the following thunderstorms can be referred to as stationary thunderstorms?
Air mass
