Published on 31 Jan 2025
Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms are atmospheric disturbances characterized by lightning, thunder, heavy rainfall, and sometimes strong winds and hail. It’s a well grown cumulonimbus cloud that produces thunder and lightning.
Formation: Thunderstorms typically form when warm, moist air rises rapidly, cools, and condenses, leading to the development of cumulonimbus clouds.
Nature: They are of short durations and cover a small area resulting in violent thunderstorms
Character: Thunderstorms are characterised by strong updraft of air. They can be developed over both land and water.
Hazards Associated with Thunderstorms: heavy rainfall, strong winds, hail, tornadoes
Climate Change Connection: There is ongoing research on the potential link between climate change and the frequency/intensity of thunderstorms.
Tornados
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud.
Formation: Tornadoes often develop in severe thunderstorms when warm, moist air interacts with cold, dry air. The updrafts and wind shear in these storms can lead to the formation of a rotating column of air, which may extend downward to the ground.
Appearance: Tornadoes can appear as a visible condensation funnel, often containing debris and dust, and may be accompanied by a visible rotating base or "wall cloud."
Location: Generally, occur in the middle latitudes.
Geography
Thunderstorms
tornadoes
General Studies Paper 1
Physical Geography