13.1 Thunderstorms
Coach ZumbroEarth Science
Overview At any moment 2,000 thunderstorms are
occurring across the globe Mississippi has an average of 50-70
thunderstorm days each year Hail, tornadoes, damaging winds are
associated with thunderstorms Thunderstorms provide energy for the
formation of hurricanes
How they form 3 conditions must exist: Source of moisture Lifting of the air mass An unstable atmosphere
Thunderstorms form from cumulonimbus clouds
Types Air-mass thunderstorms occur when air
rises because of unequal heating of Earth’s surface within one air mass; “pop-up storm” Mountain Sea-breeze
Frontal thunderstorms are produced by advancing cold fronts.
Life Cycle Cumulus Stage Mature Stage Dissipation Stage