ELECTRIC STORMS: What are, how types and consequences are formed

The thunderstorms are Meteorological phenomena that occur when there is Inmosphere instabilitygenerally caused by air warming on the surface. This warm air rises rapidly and, when reaching the coldest layers of the atmosphere, it condenses forming clouds of great vertical development known as clusters or cumulonimbos.

Within these clouds, moving air generates a separation of electric loads: Positive charges accumulate at the top of the cloud and negatives at the bottom. This load difference causes the appearance of lightning, which are electrical discharges that travel between the clouds or between the cloud and the soil. These downloads, when heating the air in its path, generate a characteristic sound that we know as thunder.

In addition to the Lightning and thunderthunderstorms are usually accompanied by strong winds, heavy rains and, in some cases, hail. They are more common in warm and humid climates, and although they can be fascinating, they also represent a danger for rays and possible floods.

We recommend you read this article about whether the rays and thunder are dangerous?

The formation of a thunderstorm occurs in several stages, mainly driven by the interaction of heat and humidity in the atmosphere:

1. Training

It all starts with the air warming on the earth’s surface. When the floor or water is heated, the nearby air also does, and being lighter than cold air, it begins to ascend. This hot and humid air quickly rises to the atmosphere, carrying water vapor.

As the air ascendstemperatures in the upper layers are colder. Water vapor in the hot air cools and condenses in drops of water, forming a cloud. If the conditions are favorable, this cloud, called cluster, continues to grow up and A cumulonimboa high height and density cloud.

2. Maturity

In this phase, the Storm reaches its maximum development point. The cluster becomes a fully developed cumulonimbo cloud, which can have several kilometers high. The warm air continues to rise through the center of the cloud, while at the edges the cold air begins to descend.

It is at this stage where the more intense phenomenasuch as lightning, thunder, heavy rains and, in some cases, hail. The friction between water particles and moving air inside the cloud generates a separation of electric charges: the negatives accumulate in the lower part of the cloud and the positive ones in the upper part, which leads to the appearance of lightning.

3. Dissipation

At some point, the supply of warm and humid air that feeds the storm begins to decrease. As Cold air descends faster through the cloudthe system loses energy. The rain begins to weaken and the winds decrease. The cumulonimbo cloud dissipates and transforms into a lower cloud, while thunder and lightning become less frequent.

Although thunderstorms can be formed rapidly, they usually last between 30 minutes and one hour. However, if atmospheric conditions are very unstable, storms can regenerate and prolong for longer.

The thunderstorms are not all the same. In fact, there are several types according to their structure, duration and behavior:

• Unique cell electric storms: These are the simplest and most common storms. They are formed from a single ascending current of hot air and usually last between 20 and 30 minutes. They produce heavy rains, lightning and thunder, but in general they do not cause severe phenomena such as tornadoes or large hail.
• Multicellular storms: This type of storm is composed of multiple air ascending currents, known as cells, which are formed and developed in different stages. As a mature cell and begins to dissipate, another new one is formed, allowing the storm to last several hours. Multicellular storms are more complex than single cells and can produce severe phenomena such as strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
• Turbonada online storms: They are a type of multicellular storm that is formed in a long and narrow line of intense storm, usually along a cold front. This type of storm moves rapidly and can cover large areas. Turbonada lines are known for producing extremely strong winds, torrential rains and hail.
• Supercers: They are the most severe and dangerous electric storms. They are characterized by a powerful ascending current called mesocyclone, which rotates in an organized way. This type of storm is less common, but has great destructive potential. They are responsible for the most intense and devastating tornadoes, as well as large hail and very strong winds. In this article you will find more information about the Supercell or Supercelda: what is, how types and consequences are formed.

These storms can have significant consequences for both the natural environment and for human society. Depending on the intensity and duration of the storm, its effects can vary from common atmospheric phenomena to catastrophic events:

Good heavens

One of the most obvious consequences of a thunderstorm are the rays. Rays can cause several adverse effects:

• Fires
• Damage to structures
• Electric cuts
• Personal injuries

Strong winds

Especially multicellular and turbonada lines are usually accompanied by intense winds. These winds can generate a series of consequences:

• Material damage: Strong winds can start roofs, turn vehicles and tear down light posts or traffic signs.
• Fall of trees
• Danger in transportation

Hail

In some thunderstorms, especially in supercellases, hailstorms are produced. Hail can vary in size from small ice balls to pieces as large as golf balls or larger. Hail can cause serious damage:

• Damage to crops
• Damage to vehicles
• Personal injuries

Floods

Floods are another of the common consequences of thunderstorms, especially if they bring heavy rains in a short period of time. Floods They can be localaffecting small areas, or more widespreadcovering large regions. We recommend reading this article about the causes and consequences of floods.

Now that you know what the thunderstorms are, do not miss this article about electrometeoros: what are, types and examples.

If you want to read more articles similar to ELECTRIC STORMS: What are, how types and consequences are formedwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.