Which factor indicates a higher potential for thunderstorm development?

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Multiple Choice

Which factor indicates a higher potential for thunderstorm development?

High CAPE with sufficient moisture signals the strongest potential for thunderstorm development. CAPE measures how much energy an air parcel would have if lifted vertically; when CAPE is high, updrafts can become very strong, helping parcels rise through the atmosphere. If moisture is also ample, rising air cools and condenses more readily, releasing latent heat that fuels the updraft and promotes cloud growth, triggering thunderstorms. The other factors suppress or limit storm formation: a strong capping inversion locks down convection, and low dew point or low humidity means there isn’t enough moisture to form clouds or provide the latent heat that strengthens updrafts.

High CAPE with sufficient moisture signals the strongest potential for thunderstorm development. CAPE measures how much energy an air parcel would have if lifted vertically; when CAPE is high, updrafts can become very strong, helping parcels rise through the atmosphere. If moisture is also ample, rising air cools and condenses more readily, releasing latent heat that fuels the updraft and promotes cloud growth, triggering thunderstorms.

The other factors suppress or limit storm formation: a strong capping inversion locks down convection, and low dew point or low humidity means there isn’t enough moisture to form clouds or provide the latent heat that strengthens updrafts.

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