Thunderstorms and Tornados -- Ch 11

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter the student should be able to:

describe each stage in the life cycle of a thunderstorm cell

distinguish among single cell and multicellular thunderstorms

describe the role of atmospheric stability in thunderstorm development

explain why thunderstorm frequency varies across North America

explain why some thunderstorms become severe while others do not

list the characteristics of a severe thunderstorm

sketch the synoptic weather pattern that favors sever thunderstorms

describe the atmospheric conditions that precede a lightning discharge

explain why lightning is dangerous

distinguish between a microburst and a macroburst

explain why a microburst can be hazardous to aviation

explain why urban areas are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding

describe the origin and characteristics of hail

distinguish between a tornado and a funnel cloud

identify the prinicpal force operating in a tornado

explain why tornados are most frequent in tornado alley

explain why tornados are most frequent in spring

identify and describe the hazards of tornados

explain the basis for the F scale of tornado intensity

describe the linkage between severe thunderstorm cells and tornados

identify some weather phenomena that resemble funnel clouds