How Firestorms Form

The video explains the formation of thunderstorms, which require cold air above and hot, moist air below. These storms are short-lived as rain and wind block further hot air from rising. Firestorms, however, use wildfires as a heat source, producing fire clouds that can last much longer. The intense heat of a firestorm evaporates rain, fueling the storm further. Firestorms can spread over large areas, as seen in Australia's Black Saturday Bush fires, which spread over 400 fires across southern Australia.

What is the primary reason thunderstorms are generally short-lived?

• They lack sufficient moisture.

• Cold air descends too quickly.

• The sun stops heating the earth.

• Rain and wind block more hot air from rising.

What is the key difference between a thunderstorm and a firestorm?

• Firestorms do not produce any rain.

• Thunderstorms occur only in winter.

• Firestorms use wildfire as a heat source instead of the sun.

• Firestorms are caused by volcanic eruptions.

How does a firestorm sustain itself?

• By continuously drawing in hot, moist air from the wildfire.

• By using solar energy to heat the air.

• By relying on cold air currents.

• By absorbing moisture from the ocean.

Why does rain from a firestorm often not extinguish the fire?

• The rain is too light to have an effect.

• The fire's heat evaporates the rain before it reaches the ground.

• The rain falls in a different area.

• The rain is absorbed by the vegetation.

What was a significant consequence of the Black Saturday Bush fires in Australia?

• They spread over 400 individual fires across southern Australia.

• They led to the extinction of several species.

• They caused a permanent change in climate.

• They resulted in a decrease in wildfire occurrences.