8.30 Thunderstorms

8.30.2 State the three conditions required for the development of thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms are defined as one or more electrical discharges indicated by lighting or thunder. This is due to a build up of static electricity caused mainly by friction.

Requirements           

•  
• An atmosphere that is unstable through a deep layer
• An adequate supply of moisture from below
• A Trigger action which causes the initial upsurge of the unstable air

8.30.4 Describe the three stages in the life-cycle of a thunderstorm.

Three stages of thunderstorms

Growing stage