Private Pilot Private Exam

What feature is associated with the cumulus stage of a thunderstorm?

1. Continuous updraft

2. Heavy rainfall

3. Downdrafts

4. Turbulent air

The correct answer is: Continuous updraft

The cumulus stage of a thunderstorm is characterized primarily by the presence of continuous updrafts. During this initial stage, warm, moist air rises, leading to the formation of cumulus clouds. As the air ascends, it cools, and water vapor condenses, releasing latent heat, which causes the updraft to strengthen. This process is crucial because it is the foundation for the development of the storm as it builds vertically. While heavy rainfall and downdrafts are more prominent in the mature and dissipating stages of a thunderstorm when the storm reaches its peak intensity, the cumulus stage is focused on the strengthening updrafts. Turbulent air is certainly a characteristic of thunderstorms in general, but it is more accurately associated with the mayhem of mature storms rather than the specific formation of the cumulus stage. Thus, continuous updrafts are the defining feature of this initial development phase.