FAA Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX)WeatherMedium
A pilot observes a rapidly developing cumulus cloud with a significant vertical extent and a distinct anvil top spreading out at high altitude. Which stage of a thunderstorm is this cloud likely in, and what is its primary characteristic?
- ADissipating stage, characterized by downdrafts and decreasing precipitation.
- BCumulus stage, characterized by strong updrafts and no precipitation reaching the ground.
- CInitial stage, characterized by light rain and moderate turbulence.
- DMature stage, characterized by both updrafts and downdrafts, and heavy precipitation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mature stage, characterized by both updrafts and downdrafts, and heavy precipitation.
The presence of a distinct anvil top and significant vertical extent, along with the implied heavy precipitation (given the anvil top), are hallmarks of the mature stage of a thunderstorm. This stage is characterized by both strong updrafts and downdrafts, and heavy precipitation reaching the ground.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The dissipating stage has downdrafts but the anvil top would be breaking up, and precipitation would be decreasing, not just forming a distinct anvil.
- B. The cumulus stage has strong updrafts but no anvil top and precipitation does not reach the ground.
- C. The 'initial stage' is essentially the cumulus stage, which does not have an anvil top or precipitation reaching the ground.
Mature Stage of Thunderstorm
The most intense stage of a thunderstorm, characterized by both strong updrafts and downdrafts, heavy precipitation, lightning, and often a visible anvil top.
- Updrafts reach their maximum velocity and extend to the tropopause.
- Downdrafts begin and spread out, creating a gust front.
- Greatest hazard to aviation due to intense turbulence, hail, and heavy rain.
Memory trick: Thunderstorms grow (Cumulus), get mad (Mature), then die (Dissipating).