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