Although all thunderstorms are different, there are
certain features that are characteristic of all thunderstorms. The downdraft is
one of those classic features. As the downdraft of rain and evaporated
water strikes the ground, it spreads out horizontally, similar to water
from a hose spreading out when the hose is pointed toward the ground.
The leading edge of this thunderstorm outflow is called a gust
front. The thunderstorm outflow can be measured by surface weather
stations, radar, and satellite.
Objectives
Objectives
- Given an animation of radar reflectivity that depicts a thunderstorm and its outflow, the student will be able to locate the thunderstorm's outflow.
- Given animations of radar reflectivities and air temperature, the student will be able to locate a thunderstorm outflow.
- The student will be able to list at least three physical characteristics of a thunderstorm outflow.
- The student will be able to explain what physical process occurs in a thunderstorm to create the storm's outflow.
- Students should work in groups of 3 or 4. Make sure that any color blind student is working with students who can interpret colors adequately.
| PROCEDURE 1. Using WxImage or another QuickTime® movie player, animate the NEXRAD radar movie several times. Focus your attention on southwest Oklahoma only. 2. Animate the movies depicting air temperature (TAIR), wind (WIND), and solar radiation (SRAD). Examine each animation for patterns and changes, especially near the storms in southwestern Oklahoma. 3. Use your observations to answer the questions below. Continue to review the animations as necessary. QUESTIONS 1. Looking at the radar animation, when and where does the first storm reach 55 dBz (red)? 2. Look at the TAIR, WIND, and SRAD movies at the same time and place. What evidence, if any, do you see of the storm(s)? 3. Two hours later, are storms still present? Have they intensified or become more widespread? 4. At the same time as in question #3, can you see evidence of the storms in the TAIR, WIND, or SRAD movies? What patterns do you see? 5. Four hours after the storm (in question #1) was initiated, how have the storms progressed in the radar, TAIR, WIND, and SRAD animations? 6. In the TAIR animation, does the air temperature warm or cool in the vicinity of the thunderstorms? What physical process could cause this temperature change? How does this process relate to a thunderstorm? 7. Briefly explain what you think causes the wind pattern at 8 PM CDT in the WIND animation. 8. Using the patterns in the weather conditions you have examined in this lesson, describe what changes may occur at your home if a thunderstorm were to develop nearby. |
PREREQUISITES
(Per person):
Reflectivity Outflow Thunderstorm CORE CURRICULUM SKILLS APPLIED IN THIS LESSON
        
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