Thunderstorms

Front

What are updrafts and downdrafts in thunderstorms?

Back

Updrafts are rising currents of warm air, while downdrafts are descending currents of cold air. Together, they help form clouds and precipitation.

Front

What is convection current?

Back

Convection currents are the movement of air caused by the rising of warm air and the sinking of cool air, which is a key process in thunderstorms.

Front

How high can large thunderstorm clouds reach?

Back

Large thunderstorm clouds can reach heights of up to 10 miles in the air.

Front

What happens when a thunderstorm runs out of updrafts of warm air?

Back

The thunderstorm starts to weaken and may eventually dissipate.

Front

What is lightning?

Back

Lightning is a discharge of electricity that occurs when negative charges in clouds connect with positive charges on the ground or in other clouds.

Front

What type of air is needed to create a large thunderstorm?

Back

Warm, humid air near the ground is needed, along with cold air above.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, that falls from clouds to the ground.

Front

What role does humidity play in thunderstorms?

Back

Humidity provides the moisture needed for cloud formation and precipitation in thunderstorms.

Front

What is the difference between warm air and cold air in thunderstorms?

Back

Warm air is less dense and rises, while cold air is denser and sinks, creating updrafts and downdrafts.

Front

What is the stratosphere?

Back

The stratosphere is the second layer of Earth's atmosphere, located above the troposphere, where weather occurs.