Question

What causes thunderstorms?

1) Colder air masses moving over warmer ground
2) Warmer air masses moving over colder ground
3) Colder air masses moving over colder ground
4) Warmer air masses moving over warmer ground

Answer 1

Thunderstorms are caused by the combination of phase change and convection in the atmosphere. When water evaporates from the oceans, heat is removed from the ocean and released in the atmosphere. This transfer of heat drives the formation of thunderstorms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thunderstorms are caused by the combination of phase change and convection in the atmosphere. When water evaporates from the oceans, heat is removed from the ocean. If the water vapor condenses as clouds form, heat is released in the atmosphere. This transfer of heat from the ocean to the atmosphere is the driving power behind thunderstorms. The process of convection carries water vapor into the atmosphere, where it condenses and releases tremendous amounts of energy. This causes the air to expand and rise, resulting in the formation of thunderheads, which are large cumulus clouds that can rise up to 20.0 km into the stratosphere.