Earth Sciences 2240F/G Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Cumulus Cloud, Outflow Boundary, Squall
13 Feb 2018
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**smallest cyclonic storm = thunderstorm; largest = hurricane/typhoon** Form when there"s: moisture, ultimate source in north america are the oceans, gulf of mexico, and the great lakes. Proximity to a large body of water will increase the num7 ber of thunderstorms in that area: atmosphere instability, a lifting mechanism. Thunderstorms result from the formation of thunderstorm cell (last ~30min) Beginning towering cumulus stage = cumulus cloud grows vertically & dominant air movement is upward w/ some turbulence @ the edges. Mature stage = height increases; air movement can be both upwards and downwards; up drifts are strong; most dangerous stage b/c lightening, hail, and erratic strong winds begin to occur. Dissipating stage = downward air movement dominates; upward supply of warm moist air had been cut off and the cumulus begins to dissipate; light rain and weak winds as the clouds begin to dissipate (anvil- shaped top)
