Supercell or Supercelda: What is it, how it is formed, types and consequences

A supercelda supercell, is a Type of storm characterized by the presence of a Intense and persistent rotating ascending currentknown as mesocyclone. These storms are unusual and can be extremely powerful and destructive.

Supercells are formed in specific atmospheric conditions, where there is enough humidity, instability and wind shear (changes in wind speed and direction with height). These conditions allow the storm to develop a Organized and lasting structurewith an ascending current that can reach very high altitudes.

The formation of a supercell is a complex process that requires specific atmospheric conditions and a series of dynamic interactions. It is essential that there is enough humidity in the atmosphere, especially in the low and medium layers. Moisture provides the necessary fuel for the formation of clouds and storms.

1. When the hot and humid air On the surface it is forced to ascend, it begins to Form cumulonimbus clouds. This ascent is reinforced by latent heat released during the condensation of water vapor in the cloud.
2. Wind shear is a condition that occurs with changes in wind speed and direction with height. With the presence of wind shear, The ascending current of the storm begins to turndeveloping A mesocyclone. This turn helps stabilize and organize the storm, allowing you to persist for hours.
3. The mature supercell It is characterized by a strong and sustained ascending current, a well -defined mesocycyclone and the ability to produce severe weather phenomena. During this phase, they can develop Tornados, large hail and intense wind bursts.
4. Eventually, The supercell begins to dissipate. This can occur when the wind shear decreases, when the storm moves to a region with less humidity or instability, or when the precipitation begins to cut the supply of hot and humid air towards the base of the storm.

Supercells or supercellaces can be classified into various types, each with distinctive characteristics that influence their behavior and destructive potential:

Classic supercells

These supercells have a clearly organized structure, with a cloud base that often presents a shape of funnel or wall. They generate heavy rains and large hail. These supercells are the ones that most frequently produce tornadoes, some of which can be extremely violent.

High precipitation supercells

These storms produce large amounts of precipitation, both in rain and hail. Due to the large amount of precipitation, the structure of the storm, including possible tornadoes, can be hidden behind a rain curtain.

Low precipitation supercells

They produce much less rain than other types of supercells, which makes their structures more visible. Tornados produced by these supercells are easier to see due to the least amount of precipitation.

Supercells, due to their intense and persistent nature, can have a series of serious and high range consequences:

• Tornado Formation: Supercells are the most likely storms to generate tornadoes, which can vary in intensity from weak to extremely violent. Here you can learn more about the tornado: what is, how types and consequences are formed.
• Large hail:The strong ascending current in a supercell can keep the ice particles in suspension for a long time, allowing them to grow to significant sizes before falling.
• In this other post you can learn the hail more sorbe: what it is, how it is formed and types.
• Intense wind bursts: Descendent bursts of wind reach very high speeds, sometimes comparable to those of a tornado.
• Torrential rains: Some supercells, especially those of high precipitation, can download huge amounts of rain in a short period of time causing sudden floods, overflows of rivers and streams, and water accumulations in urban areas. In this link you can see more information about torrential rain: causes, consequences and what to do.
• Lightning and rays: Supercells are known for producing a high frequency of lightning and rays, both inside the cloud and to the ground.
• Economic Impact: Material damage caused by hail, tornadoes, wind and rains result in significant economic losses for individuals, companies and governments.

Simple supercells and storms, although both are meteorological phenomena, differ significantly in their structure, formation, duration and destructive potential.

TSimple orment

• A simple storm, also known as the unitary cell, is a convective storm small and relatively short.
• It is typically formed in conditions of atmospheric instability and sufficient humidity, but without the wind shear necessary to develop more complex characteristics.
• These storms usually last 30 minutes and one hour.
• Its structure is simpler, with a single ascending current that can produce heavy rains, lightning, and sometimes hail or strong wind bursts.
• However, its destructive potential is limited and rarely generate severe weather phenomena as tornadoes.

Supercell or Supercelda

• A supercell is a storm a lot more organized and powerful.
• Its main distinctive characteristic is the presence of a Mesocyclonewhich is a sustained and well -defined rotary ascending current.
• The formation of a supercell requires specific atmospheric conditions: high instability, significant humidity and a strong Wind shear. This shear allows the ascending current to turn, stabilize and organize the storm in a way that can be supported for hours.
• The structure of a supercell is a lot more complex than that of a simple storm, with multiple ascending and descending currents, and a clear separation between the precipitation areas and the region where they can form tornadoes.
• Supercells, unlike simple storms, are capable of producing extreme and destructive weather phenomenaas strong and durable tornadoes, large hail and extremely intense wind bursts. In addition, supercells can generate torrential rains, increasing the risk of floods.
• Its longevity and organization allow these severe events to persist and extend over large areas.

Now that you know the supercells or supercells better, we encourage you to know these other ecology articles about the thunderstorms: what they are, how types and consequences are formed and dry storm: what is, how it is formed and consequences.

If you want to read more articles similar to Supercell or Supercelda: What is it, how it is formed, types and consequenceswe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.