Eleanor Finch
Thunderstorms are violent, short-lived weather disturbances that are almost always accompanied by lightning, thunder, dense clouds, heavy rain or hail, and strong gusty winds. They occur in almost every region of the world, though they are rare in polar regions. Cumulonimbus clouds are the most common cloud formation associated with thunderstorms. These clouds are dense, towering, vertical clouds that form from water vapour condensing in the lower troposphere and carried upward by powerful buoyant air currents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of storm | Electrical storm or lightning storm |
| Clouds involved | Cumulonimbus |
| Height | Up to 75,000 feet |
| Shape | Flat-topped, anvil-like |
| Atmospheric conditions | Sufficient moisture, unstable air mass, lifting force |
| Formation | Warm, moist air rises due to convection currents, cools and condenses into water droplets |
| Lightning | Occurs due to collisions between charged water droplets, graupel, and ice crystal particles |
| Thunder | Acoustic effect of lightning on the Earth's atmosphere |
| Hazards | Hazardous winds, hail, reduced visibility, lightning, atmospheric icing |
| Stages | Developing, mature, dissipation |
| Average diameter and height | 24 km (15 mi) diameter, 12.2 km (40,000 ft) height |
| Duration | Average of 30 minutes, can last several hours or days with new storm cells forming |
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What You'll Learn
Thunderstorms are characterised by lightning and thunder
Lightning occurs within the clouds (intra-cloud), between clouds (cloud-to-cloud), or between clouds and the ground (cloud-to-ground). The distribution of ice crystals and water droplets within the cumulonimbus cloud affects the charge distribution, leading to electrical displays. The study of thunderstorm electrification is ongoing, as understanding the precise mechanisms can aid in forecasting and protecting against the hazards associated with electrical storms.
Thunderstorms typically occur in an unstable, warm, and moist air mass during the warm season. The cloud associated with thunderstorms, the cumulonimbus cloud, forms when warm, moist air at the Earth's surface rises due to convection currents. As it ascends, it cools and condenses, forming the cloud. The internal structure of cumulonimbus clouds is complex, with updrafts and downdrafts creating turbulence and leading to the various stages of a thunderstorm's life cycle.
The average thunderstorm has a diameter of 24 km (15 mi) and a height of approximately 12.2 km (40,000 ft). Thunderstorms form in three stages: the developing stage, when storm clouds form; the mature stage, when the storm is fully formed; and the dissipating stage, when the storm weakens and breaks apart. The whole process takes about one hour for an ordinary thunderstorm.
Cumulonimbus clouds can produce torrential rain and flash floods, as well as straight-line winds and other severe weather phenomena such as tornadoes, hazardous winds, and large hailstones. They pose a notable hazard to aviation due to potent wind currents, reduced visibility, lightning, atmospheric icing, and hail.
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Cumulonimbus clouds are involved in thunderstorms
A thunderstorm is a type of storm characterised by lightning and thunder. Cumulonimbus clouds are involved in thunderstorms, and these clouds can rise up to 75,000 feet into the atmosphere. Cumulonimbus clouds are easily identifiable by their flat-topped, anvil-like shape. This shape is a result of the cloud reaching the tropopause, where the temperature inverts and prevents further upward growth. Cumulonimbus clouds are formed when warm, moist air at the Earth's surface rises due to convection currents. As the air ascends, it cools and condenses, forming the cloud.
The internal structure of cumulonimbus clouds is complex, with updrafts and downdrafts creating turbulence. All thunderstorm-related phenomena, including lightning, thunder, hail, and gusty winds, originate within these clouds. The distribution of ice crystals and water droplets within the cloud influences charge distribution, leading to the electrical displays characteristic of thunderstorms. Cumulonimbus clouds require moisture, an unstable air mass, and a lifting force to form.
The three stages of cumulonimbus cloud development are the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation stage. During the developing stage, storm clouds form as warm, moist air rises in an updraft. In the mature stage, the storm is fully developed, and the main cloud may reach supercell status under favourable conditions. Finally, during the dissipation stage, the storm weakens and breaks apart as downdrafts become stronger than updrafts, preventing warm moist air from rising and forming cloud droplets.
Cumulonimbus clouds are a notable hazard to aviation due to potent wind currents, reduced visibility, lightning, atmospheric icing, and hail. These clouds can also produce torrential rain and flash floods, as well as straight-line winds. When cumulonimbus clouds cause thunderstorms, they may be referred to as thunderheads.
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Cumulonimbus clouds can reach 75,000 feet
Thunderstorms are characterised by lightning and thunder, and are generally associated with Cumulonimbus clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are towering giants that can reach up to 75,000 feet into the atmosphere. They are easily identifiable by their flat-topped, anvil-like shape, which is caused by the cloud reaching the tropopause, where the temperature inverts and prevents further ascent. Cumulonimbus clouds are formed when warm, moist air at the Earth's surface rises due to convection currents. As the air ascends, it cools and condenses, forming the cloud.
The internal structure of these clouds is complex, with updrafts and downdrafts creating turbulence and driving the various stages of a thunderstorm's life cycle. All thunderstorm-related phenomena, such as lightning, thunder, hail, and gusty winds, originate within these clouds. The distribution of ice crystals and water droplets within the cloud influences charge distribution, resulting in the spectacular electrical displays associated with thunderstorms.
Cumulonimbus clouds require moisture, an unstable air mass, and a lifting force to form. They typically progress through three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation stage. The average thunderstorm has a diameter of 24 kilometres (15 miles) and a height of approximately 12.2 kilometres (40,000 feet). However, under certain atmospheric conditions, Cumulonimbus clouds can reach heights of up to 75,000 feet.
These clouds pose a notable hazard to aviation due to strong wind currents, reduced visibility, lightning, atmospheric icing, and hail. The presence of Cumulonimbus clouds indicates the potential for severe weather, including tornadoes, hazardous winds, and large hailstones. When these clouds cause thunderstorms, they are sometimes referred to as thunderheads.
The towering height of Cumulonimbus clouds, reaching up to 75,000 feet, is a defining characteristic that distinguishes them from other types of clouds. This exceptional height contributes to their ability to produce intense weather phenomena and makes them a significant factor in aviation safety considerations.
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Atmospheric conditions determine if a thunderstorm will form
Atmospheric conditions play a crucial role in determining whether a thunderstorm will form. Thunderstorms are characterised by lightning and thunder, and they are typically associated with cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are towering giants that can rise up to 75,000 feet into the atmosphere and are easily recognised by their flat-topped, anvil-like shape.
The formation of cumulonimbus clouds, which are necessary for thunderstorms, depends on specific atmospheric conditions. Firstly, there must be sufficient moisture in the atmosphere. Moisture is a key ingredient as it provides the water vapour that condenses into the clouds. This moisture is often present in the form of warm and moist air at the Earth's surface, which then rises due to convection currents.
Secondly, an unstable lapse rate or air mass is required. This instability refers to the atmospheric instability that allows for vertical development of clouds. The warm and moist air, when rising, cools and condenses, forming the clouds. This instability creates a lifting mechanism, triggering the initial rise of warm air. As the warm air continues to rise, the cloud grows larger and darker.
Additionally, the presence of a lifting force is essential. This force can be natural, such as warm air rising due to its lower density, or it can be a result of geographical features like mountains, which force air upwards as it passes over them. The lifting force is crucial in the development of strong updrafts within the clouds, which are necessary for the clouds to reach the mature stage and produce heavy rain and thunderstorms.
The interaction of these atmospheric conditions determines the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and, subsequently, thunderstorms. The internal structure of these clouds is complex, with both updrafts and downdrafts creating turbulence. When the downdrafts become stronger than the updrafts, the storm starts to weaken, and the thunderstorm cell dies out.
In summary, atmospheric conditions, including sufficient moisture, an unstable lapse rate, and a lifting force, are crucial factors in the formation of thunderstorms. These conditions influence the development of cumulonimbus clouds, which are the primary drivers of the powerful weather phenomenon known as thunderstorms.
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Cumulonimbus clouds can produce tornadoes
Cumulonimbus clouds are towering giants that can reach up to 75,000 feet in the atmosphere. They are easily identifiable by their characteristic flat-topped, anvil-like shape. Cumulonimbus clouds are capable of producing lightning, tornadoes, hazardous winds, and large hailstones.
The formation of these colossal clouds starts with warm, moist air at the Earth's surface. This air rises due to convection currents, and as it ascends, it cools and condenses, forming the cloud. Cumulonimbus clouds require moisture, an unstable air mass, and a lifting force to develop. They typically go through three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation stage.
The internal structure of cumulonimbus clouds is complex, with updrafts and downdrafts creating turbulence. This turbulence can lead to the formation of tornadoes. When the conditions are right, with sufficient instability and moisture in the atmosphere, the outflowing moisture and gusts from one storm cell can lead to the formation of new cells, potentially triggering a tornado.
Cumulonimbus clouds are a notable hazard to aviation due to their potent wind currents, reduced visibility, lightning, and potential for atmospheric icing and hail. These clouds can produce intense weather phenomena, including tornadoes, that pose significant risks to aircraft.
While cumulonimbus clouds are known to produce tornadoes, it is important to note that not all cumulonimbus clouds will result in tornado formation. The presence of these clouds indicates the potential for severe weather, and under specific atmospheric conditions, the development of tornadoes becomes more probable.
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Frequently asked questions
A thunderstorm is a type of storm characterised by lightning and thunder. They are generally associated with cumulonimbus clouds.
Cumulonimbus clouds are towering, vertical clouds that form from water vapour in the lower troposphere. They are dense and typically have a flat-topped, anvil-like shape. Cumulonimbus clouds can extend up to 75,000 feet into the atmosphere.
Thunderstorms generally form in three stages: the developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipation or dissipating stage. The average thunderstorm goes through these stages in around 30 minutes, although an ordinary thunderstorm may last for about an hour.
