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Extensive Climate Education resources are available through CLEAN and the Teach the Earth climate collection.

Simulation: Thunderstorm Simulation

Patrick Callahan
Initial Publication Date: April 29, 2016

Summary

An on-line thunderstorm simulator allows students to view how large convective clouds form.


Learning Goals

To learn how thunderstorms are formed.

Context for Use

The format suggested for this lesson is a lab.

Description and Teaching Materials

Thunderstorm Simulator (now offline): http://www.psc.edu/research/graphics/gallery/mxue.php

Teaching Notes and Tips

Instructors/TAs may find it useful to refer to lecture notes from the following lecture: - Lapse Rate, Moisture, and Clouds

http://xtide.ldeo.columbia.edu/mpa/Clim-Wat/Climate/lectures/atm_phys/atm_phys6.html


Assessment

Students summarize their findings in a lab report.

References and Resources

Thunderstorm Simulator for hands-on portion of the lab (now offline):

http://www.psc.edu/research/graphics/gallery/mxue.php