thunderstorms
where thunderstorms are the most common in the U.S
southeast
tornadoes form when these two air masses interact
most tropical cyclones occur here and are called...
Western Pacific
Typhoons
climate can be defined as
the average state of the atmosphere over long periods of time
the type of lightning that is most common
(cloud to...)
the two types of thunderstorms
airmass
severe
tornadoes from after this is produced
mesocyclone
the eye of a hurricane can be defined as
calm clear center with descending air
climate is classified based on these two things
avg temp
avg precipitation
in the first stage of lightning formation
light particles bring positive charge to top of cloud heavy particles bring negative charge to base of cloud
(separation of charges)
the stages of an air mass thunderstorm in order
cumulus
mature
dissipating
in a mesocyclone, this is when strong updrafts tilt
the horizontally rotating air vertically
stage 2
hurricanes might die out when
(3 things)
Move over cold ocean waters/currents
Move over land
Airflow aloft is unfavorable (too much wind shear)
this climate is cold and dry year round and near the poles (55º - 90º latitude)
E Climate (polar)
this stage of lightning is when negative charges
make contact with the positive charges near the
ground
4 OR 6
the three types of severe thunderstorms
supercell
squall line
MCC (mesoscale convective complexes)
tornadoes are most common at this time of day
afternoon
Winds here tend to be stronger due to combination
of storms direction of motion and direction of rotation.
right front quadrant
this climate has low levels of precipitation year round, but the temperatures vary based on location. 25º -35º latitude
B climate (arid/semi-arid)
this happens in the third stage of lightning formation
positive charges at surface start to stretch upward toward the cloud
this is an area of strong straight-line winds > 58 mph in association with a severe thunderstorm and are capable of producing as much damage as a tornado
derecho
this is what you would see on a radar indicating a tornadic rotation
hook echo
Sea Surface Temps: are > 80ºF (27ºC)
Unstable atmospheric conditions present
Coriolis force present
Wind shear is at a minimum
Disturbance present to initiate storm
1. you would use this on a climograph to determine if it is a C or D climate
2. this climate has a mild winter and is about 30º- 40º latitude
temperature
C climate
the three conditions that need to occur for lightning formation
1. Clouds must extend above the freezing level
2. Clouds must produce precipitation
3. Charges must separate within the cloud