How are storms made?
In: Physics
Storms occur because air, moisture, and heat are almost always in motion, due to a lack of equilibrium. When an air parcel (a local region of air with uniform properties) is relatively warm and moist, it ascends because it is lighter than surrounding air. As it ascends, it cools, and the moisture (i.e., water vapor) condenses into droplets, which collectively form clouds. Also, when the water vapor condenses, it releases a little bit of thermal energy called latent heat, which helps the parcel continue to ascend.
If this happens consistently enough, clouds form and grow; with other factors such as wind and heat, they can create a system we call a storm. Given the right conditions, storms can become very complex, involving different sorts of precipitation, wind shear, downdrafts, lightening, atmospheric rotation, and so much more! They’re absolutely fascinating.
Latest Answers