Thunderstorm: Classification

We classify thunderstorms based on the initial trigger.
Ask yourself…what is the initial source of lifting?

Air Mass Thunderstorm
-Form within a warm, moist airmass
-The airmass is not associated with a front
-Isolated
-Scattered over a wide area
-3 Types: (1) orographic, convective, nocturnal

Orographic Thunderstorm
-Orographic (relating to mountains) feature i.e. a mountain range

Convective Thunderstorm
-convective heating associated with uneven heating of the surface of the earth

Nocturnal Thunderstorm

Frontal Thunderstorm