Explain how a supercell thunderstorm forms and how it is different from an ordinary thunderstorm. Why do these storms typically have overshooting tops and produce hail?

An Introduction to Physical Science
14th Edition
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Chapter20: Atmospheric Effects
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Problem 12SA: What is the major source of energy for a tropical storm? When does a tropical storm become a...
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Explain how a supercell thunderstorm forms and how it is different from an ordinary thunderstorm.

Why do these storms typically have overshooting tops and produce hail? 

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The supercell thunderstorm is the apex of the thunderstorm. This type of thunderstorm can vary in size and shape and they are continuously rotating updraft. The effect of supercell thunderstorm can be witnessed up to 30 km range and the duration of the supercell thunderstorm are some-what about 3-4 hours. Sometimes two updrafts can be seen in the supercell thunderstorm with the opposite rotation which further divides the storm into two different supercell one called the left-mover and the other called the right-mover.

On the other side, ordinary thunderstorm is so much unlike the supercell thunderstorm. The magnitude of the destruction caused by an ordinary thunderstorm is very less when compared with the supercell thunderstorm. They are rather like a soft breeze of air, not much rotation is seen in the ordinary thunderstorm and they last for a very short period of time.

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