Describe in detail the formation of a supercell tornado

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: In a supercell storm, the process begins with horizontal rotation of a large segment of the cloud. This rotation, called a mesocyclone, begins deep within the cloud interior, several kilometers above the surface. Under the right conditions, strong updrafts in the storm tilt the horizontally rotating air so that the axis of rotation becomes approximately vertical, providing the initial rotation within the cloud interior. Intensification of the mesocyclone requires that the area of rotation decrease, which leads to an increase in wind speed. Funnel clouds form when a narrow, rapidly rotating vortex emerges from the base of the wall cloud. As air is drawn upward into the zone of rotation, condensation and the importation of dust and debris from the surface may give the funnel a dark, ominous appearance. A funnel cloud has all the characteristics and intensity of a true tornado; the only difference between the two is that a funnel cloud has yet to touch the ground.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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When the algae in coral reefs die off due to environmental stresses, the coral subsequently dies because of lack of food. This process is referred to as

a. coral acidification b. algal blooming c. erosion d. coral bleaching e. parasitism

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Determine the percentage of each particle size for A and B examples plotted on the triangle (Figure 28.2):



a) A: ________% sand, ________ silt, ________ clay
b) B: ________% sand, ________ silt, ________ clay

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Nationalism is an important example of a centrifugal force, which is an attitude that tends to unify people and enhance support for a state

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Quartz weathers readily to aluminum-rich clay minerals

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences