Correct option is B
Statement B
Thunderstorms occur when the normal lapse rate is greater than the adiabatic lapse rate, meaning the air is unstable.
This condition allows warm air to rise rapidly, creating convection currents that lead to thunderstorm development.
A strong temperature gradient between the surface and the upper atmosphere enhances storm intensity.
Example: Pre-monsoon thunderstorms in India occur when surface heating increases the lapse rate.
This condition allows warm air to rise rapidly, creating convection currents that lead to thunderstorm development.
A strong temperature gradient between the surface and the upper atmosphere enhances storm intensity.
Example: Pre-monsoon thunderstorms in India occur when surface heating increases the lapse rate.
Statement C
Instability of warm and moist air is a key factor in determining thunderstorm intensity and duration.
Greater instability leads to stronger updrafts, producing severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms.
Example: Tropical thunderstorms (e.g., in the Amazon and Southeast Asia) are stronger due to high warmth and moisture.
Example: Tropical thunderstorms (e.g., in the Amazon and Southeast Asia) are stronger due to high warmth and moisture.
Information Booster:
Unstable Air → Warm air must rise freely to form cumulonimbus clouds.
High Moisture Content → Provides the energy for cloud formation and precipitation.
Trigger Mechanism → Such as surface heating, frontal lifting, or mountains.
Understanding Lapse Rate & Thunderstorms:
- Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) > Adiabatic Lapse Rate → Unstable Air → Thunderstorms Form
- ELR < Adiabatic Lapse Rate → Stable Air → No Thunderstorms
Where Do Thunderstorms Occur Most?
- Tropics (e.g., Amazon Basin, Congo, Southeast Asia) → Due to high moisture & intense heating.
- Mid-Latitudes (e.g., USA Tornado Alley, Indian Pre-Monsoon Season) → Due to cold and warm air mass interactions.
- Less common in polar regions because of low temperature & moisture.
Additional Knowledge:
Statement A
Thunderstorms are NOT common in high latitudes because:
Cold air holds less moisture, limiting convection.
Thetemperature contrastnecessary for thunderstorm formation is weaker.
Most thunderstorms occur in the tropics and mid-latitudes, where moisture and temperature are high.
Most thunderstorms occur in the tropics and mid-latitudes, where moisture and temperature are high.
Statement D
Moist but stable air does NOT cause thunderstorms because stability prevents air from rising.
Thunderstorms requiremoist and unstable airfor strong convection currents.
Example:Stable air masses over oceans do not form thunderstorms easily.
Thunderstorms requiremoist and unstable airfor strong convection currents.
Example:Stable air masses over oceans do not form thunderstorms easily.
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