Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are a type of weather phenomena characterized by the presence of thunder and lightning. They are often accompanied by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and sometimes hail. Thunderstorms are caused by the rapid upward movement of warm, moist air that cools and condenses, forming cumulonimbus clouds. These storms can occur individually, in clusters, or in lines and are often associated with other severe weather events such as tornadoes and flash floods.

Formation of Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms typically form when warm, moist air rises rapidly into the atmosphere. This can happen when cool air at the surface pushes warm air upwards, or when warm air is lifted along a front. As the warm air rises, it cools and condenses, forming cumulonimbus clouds. Within these clouds, strong updrafts and downdrafts create the conditions for thunder and lightning to occur.

Stages of a Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms go through three stages: the cumulus stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. During the cumulus stage, warm air rises and the cumulonimbus cloud begins to form. In the mature stage, the storm reaches its peak intensity, with heavy rain, strong winds, and lightning. Finally, the dissipating stage occurs as the storm begins to weaken and the downdrafts cut off the updrafts.

Study Guide

What causes thunderstorms to form?
What are the three stages of a thunderstorm?
What are the typical characteristics of a thunderstorm?
How are thunderstorms related to other severe weather events?
What safety precautions should be taken during a thunderstorm?

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Eighth Grade. The Movement of Ocean Water

Study Guide

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Worksheet/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

Vocabulary/Answer key

The Movement of Ocean Water

The resources above cover the following skills:

Earth/Space Science: Students will use scientific skills and processes to explain the chemical and physical interactions (i.e., natural forces and cycles, transfer of energy) of the environment, Earth, and the universe that occur over time.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Cite evidence to explain the relationship between the hydrosphere and atmosphere.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation in a geographic area are affected by surface features and changes in atmospheric and ocean content: Relative location of mountains; Volcanic eruptions; Proximity to large bodies of water; Heat energy of ocean currents.

Interactions of Hydrosphere and Atmosphere: Recognize and describe the various factors that affect climate.

Identify and describe how the temperature and precipitation of an area are affected by surface and ocean features: Relative location of mountains; Proximity to large bodies of water; Warm and cold ocean currents.

Recognize and describe the global effects of volcanic eruptions, greenhouse gases, and El Nino.