Thunderstorms

Question 1

Each thunderstorm start life as which type of cloud?

Answer 1

Cumulus (Cu)

Question 2

A thunderstorms development is dependent on what 3 factors?

Answer 2

Moisture
Trigger action
Instability

Question 3

What are the 3 stages of the storm cell?

Answer 3

1) cumulus/growing
2) mature
3) dissipating

Question 4

Describe the cumulus/growing stage

Answer 4

Trigger action starts the process of transformation. Cloud grows quickly, rain drops form, strong vertical currents.

Lasts 30 minutes

Question 5

Describe the mature stage.

Answer 5

Raindrops and hailstones(if temp is low enough) grow in size until weight cannot be supported by ascending currents. Rain/hail drops descend dragging cold air with them. When it reaches the ground the air spreads out in all directions (microburst) heavy precipitation.

Lasts 30 minutes

Question 6

Describe the dissipating/decaying stage

Answer 6

Down fraught of cold air spreads through the cloud and precipitation gradually ceases. Form anvil shape as it stops growing.

Takes 2 hours

Question 7

How long do all 3 stages of the thunderstorm last combined?

Answer 7

3 hours

Question 8

Regeneration in the dissipating stage may occur if decaying cloud joins with fresh cumulus cells. True or False?

Answer 8

True.

Question 9

What are the associated hazards with a thunderstorm? (List all six)

Answer 9

Turbulence 
Hail
Icing 
Lightning 
Static
Wind shear

Question 10

Why is polar maritime Air associated with more thunderstorms?

Answer 10

If polar maritime air routes further south over the Atlantic before being caught up in the jet stream heading towards the uk. More moisture is present.

Question 11

List the 4 possible trigger actions that could cause a thunderstorm.

Answer 11

1) Air mass
2) Frontal
3) Orographic
4) Insolation

Question 12

What is a col?

Answer 12

A flat area of calm pressure

Question 13

What is a supercell

Answer 13

Meso cyclone

Rotating up draft