Termpaper on Thunderstorms
The Science of Thunderstorms
The Science of Thunderstorms
Eleanor C. Radaza
Philippine Science High School - Central Mindanao Campus
Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Philippines 9217
This paper is primarily written for science students, teachers, and other interested individuals to provide a resource to enhance their knowledge about the origin of thunderstorms.
1. Introduction
A thunderstorm is a storm that is able to produce lightning and thunder. It occurs in cumulonimbus clouds which are large and tall [5]. Thunderstorms can also result into flash floods, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. In general, the higher the storm clouds, the more violent the resulting storm will follow. Under certain circumstances, isolated thunderstorms can even merge to form large circulating complexes with increasing power and damage capabilities [1].
2. Early Theories about Thunderstorms
An example of a legend told by the Filipino elderly to their grandchildren to explain thunderstorms is the legend of Kulog and Kidlat. This is tells about a mortal lady who wanted a child and so she went to Amang
Ulan to ask for a child. He gave her two sons, whose names were Kulog (Thunder) and Kidlat (Lightning).
They were blessed with powers from Amang Ulan. But soon, when they grew up and ventured upon Earth, they became selfish and greedy for power that they decided to fight each other to see who is the greatest.
Because of their desire to be the most powerful, they did not care for other people getting hurt from their reckless attacks and useless fights. Amang Ulan saw this and decided to send them to the sky so that they will not cause that much harm to people. After that, it is said that the two continue to battle each other to overpower the other [7].
3. Science of Thunder and Lightning
Thunder is the sound produced by lightning generated by a sudden and violent expansion of superheated air in and along the electrical discharge channel path. Thunder can be a sharp or rumbling sound.
The Science of Thunderstorms
Eleanor C. Radaza
Philippine Science High School - Central Mindanao Campus
Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Philippines 9217
This paper is primarily written for science students, teachers, and other interested individuals to provide a resource to enhance their knowledge about the origin of thunderstorms.
1. Introduction
A thunderstorm is a storm that is able to produce lightning and thunder. It occurs in cumulonimbus clouds which are large and tall [5]. Thunderstorms can also result into flash floods, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes. In general, the higher the storm clouds, the more violent the resulting storm will follow. Under certain circumstances, isolated thunderstorms can even merge to form large circulating complexes with increasing power and damage capabilities [1].
2. Early Theories about Thunderstorms
An example of a legend told by the Filipino elderly to their grandchildren to explain thunderstorms is the legend of Kulog and Kidlat. This is tells about a mortal lady who wanted a child and so she went to Amang
Ulan to ask for a child. He gave her two sons, whose names were Kulog (Thunder) and Kidlat (Lightning).
They were blessed with powers from Amang Ulan. But soon, when they grew up and ventured upon Earth, they became selfish and greedy for power that they decided to fight each other to see who is the greatest.
Because of their desire to be the most powerful, they did not care for other people getting hurt from their reckless attacks and useless fights. Amang Ulan saw this and decided to send them to the sky so that they will not cause that much harm to people. After that, it is said that the two continue to battle each other to overpower the other [7].
3. Science of Thunder and Lightning
Thunder is the sound produced by lightning generated by a sudden and violent expansion of superheated air in and along the electrical discharge channel path. Thunder can be a sharp or rumbling sound.
References: Hill, R.D. (1977): Thunder and lightning, vol. Murano, G. (12, September 2011): 10 Bizarre Stories of Lightning Strikes Rakov, V.A. and Uman, M.A. (2003): Lightning Physics and Effects Torrenueva, C. (August 2001): Mini Book of Legends