Final answer:
Convergence occurs when air masses flow together, often resulting in weather phenomena such as the creation of thunderheads and the positive feedback loop that drives them ever higher, sometimes causing violent storms and hurricanes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When air masses flow together, convergence is said to occur. This atmospheric process plays a significant role in weather patterns and climate phenomena. For example, the combination of phase change and convection takes place when water evaporates from the oceans. As water changes state from liquid to vapor, it removes heat from the ocean. Contrarily, when water vapor condenses into liquid droplets as clouds form, heat is released into the atmosphere. This leads to a net transfer of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere, which is essential for the formation of thunderheads—immense cumulus clouds that can soar high into the stratosphere.
The positive feedback mechanism comes into play as water vapor carried in by convection condenses, thereby releasing vast amounts of energy. The energy causes the air to expand and move upward to cooler altitudes, where more condensation occurs. This process perpetuates and amplifies itself, thereby driving the clouds higher. This dynamic system can sometimes result in violent storms, including lightning, hail, and even driving the mechanisms behind hurricanes.