Chapter 31, Problem 18RQ

To determine

The reason for the formation of downdrafts in thunderstorms.

Answer to Problem 18RQ

The downdrafts are formed in a thunderstorm with the collision between the raindrops and the formation of larger droplets due to the churning turbulence in the cloud that descends from the thunderstorms.

Explanation of Solution

During the Cumulus, Mature, and dissipating stages, the cloud becomes a thunderstorm initially due to updraft (Cumulus stage), and then the rising updraft air cools and condenses into small rain droplets and try to fall, but the wind flowing upward prevent them from doing so and in that case, the raindrops collide with each other. Due to churning turbulence created by the wind, the tiny droplets join into larger droplets. These large droplets become heavy enough to fall from the thunderstorm in the form and the cool air being to descend (dissipating stage) from the thunderstorm, which forms downdrafts.

The downdrafts are opposite to that of updraft and carry cold air with it on the surface of the Earth. It can cold and changes the temperature of a particular area in a small time.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the downdrafts are formed in a thunderstorm with the collision between the raindrops and the formation of larger droplets due to the churning turbulence in the cloud that descends from the thunderstorms.