ATS 351, Spring 2010
Lab #11
Severe Weather – xx points
Question 1 (10 points): Thunderstorm development
a) Sketch and describe the stages of development of a single cell thunderstorm. About how long
does a single cell thunderstorm last?
b) How does a thunderstorm gust front form? What might you expect to see and feel if a gust
front were to approach and pass you on the ground?
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Question 2 (8 points): Types of thunderstorms
In class, we discussed types of thunderstorms. Below each radar image, please identify the
corresponding thunderstorm type it represents (squall line, MCC, single cell thunderstorms or
bow echo).
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 4
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Question 3 (10 points): Storm Severity
The two radar images below depict thunderstorms occurring over the U.S.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 3 shows a large system moving over Kansas and Figure 4 shows scattered convection
over the eastern United States.
a) Which Figure shows severe thunderstorms and which ordinary thunderstorms?
Below are two soundings.
Sounding 1
Sounding 2
b) Based on lecture, which sounding corresponds best to the environment needed to produce the
storms in Figure 3? Which sounding corresponds best to the storms in Figure 4? EXPLAIN
your reasoning for both answers. HINT: Focus on the air in the troposphere. The wind barbs on
the right hand side are plotted the same way as station plot wind barbs.
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Question 4 (8 points) : Drylines
The dryline is the boundary between warm, humid air and drier air.
a) On the map below, draw a line where you believe the dryline should be found.
b) Why are drylines favorable locations for thunderstorm formation?
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Question 5 (8 points): Tornadoes and Hail
a) What is the first crucial element in the formation of a tornado?
b) What are often mistaken for tornadoes:
c) What is required for larger hail to exist?
d) What other process does hail aid in a thunderstorm?
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