Tornadoes form in unusually violent thunderstorms when there is sufficient (1) instability and (2) wind shear present in the lower atmosphere. Elaborate on what does instability mean when discussing the formation of a tornado?
A) dry air in the middle atmosphere being rapidly cooled by rain
B) winds at all levels of the atmosphere are strong and turn with height
C) an isolated strong thunderstorm just ahead of a squall line that merges with the squall line**********
D) very warm, humid conditions in the lower atmosphere; cooler than usual conditions in the upper atmosphere
Molecular mass of H2O is about 2+16 = 18 grams/mol
Molecular mass of N2 (80%of dry air) is about 28 grams/mol. O2 is about 32 grams/mol
In other words hot humid air is likely to have lower density than cold dry air.
If the light warm humid gas is under the heavy cold dry gas, you have a stability problem. If the warm wet stuff finds a route to rise through the heavy cold stuff, you get something like a chimney there. Whoosh !
so Correct is correct? or no?
When discussing the formation of a tornado, instability refers to the condition in the atmosphere that favors the development of strong upward motion. This upward motion is crucial for the initial formation of a tornado.
Instability can be understood in relation to the temperature and moisture conditions in different layers of the atmosphere. Specifically, it involves the presence of warm, humid conditions in the lower atmosphere, combined with cooler than usual conditions in the upper atmosphere.
Option D, "very warm, humid conditions in the lower atmosphere; cooler than usual conditions in the upper atmosphere," aligns with the definition of instability. In such a scenario, the warm and humid air near the surface becomes buoyant and tends to rise rapidly. As it rises, it encounters cooler air higher up in the atmosphere, creating a favorable condition for the development of strong updrafts. These updrafts can lead to the formation of severe thunderstorms, and in some cases, tornadoes.
To elaborate further, it is important to understand that air tends to rise when it is warmer and more buoyant than the surrounding air. The presence of warm, moist air near the surface provides the necessary fuel for the development of thunderstorm activity. When this moist air rises rapidly due to buoyancy, it creates a destabilizing effect in the atmosphere, leading to the formation of strong updrafts within thunderstorms. These updrafts contribute to the rotation and intensification of the storm system, which can eventually lead to the formation of a tornado.
In summary, instability in the atmosphere when discussing the formation of tornadoes refers to the presence of warm, moist air near the surface combined with cooler conditions higher up. This creates an environment favorable for strong updrafts within thunderstorms, which can result in the formation of tornadoes.