storm - Formation, Types, Classification, Extraterrestrial storms

An intense meteorological disturbance, categorized on the Beaufort scale as force 10 (storm) or force 11 (violent storm). Wind speeds range from 25–32 m/s (55–72 mph).

It may be marked by strong wind (a wind storm), thunder and lightning (a thunderstorm), heavy precipitation, such as ice (ice storm), or wind transporting some substance through the atmosphere (as in a dust storm, snowstorm, hailstorm, etc).

Formation

Storms are created when a center of low pressure develops, with a system of high pressure surrounding it. This combination of opposing forces can create winds and result in the formation of storm clouds, such as the cumulonimbus. In case of problems, see media help.

Types

There are many varieties and names for storms.

Ice Storm - Ice storms are one of the most dangerous forms of winter weather. Ice storms can vary in time range from hours to days and can cripple both small towns and large urban centers alike. Snow storms, especially ones with a high liquid equivalent and breezy conditions, can down tree limbs, cut off power, and paralyze travel over a large region. Ocean Storm - Storm conditions out at sea are defined as having sustained winds of 48 kts/55 mph or greater. Usually just referred to as a storm, these systems can sink vessels of all types and sizes out at sea. Gale - An extratropical storm with sustained winds between 34-48 kts/39-55 mph. These storms occur when high levels of condensation form in a volume of unstable air that generates deep, rapid, upward motion in the atmosphere. Tropical Cyclone A tropical cyclone is a storm system with a closed circulation around a centre of low pressure, fueled by the heat released when moist air rises and condenses. They are distinguished from other cyclonic storms such as nor'easters and polar lows by the heat mechanism that fuels them, which makes them "warm core" storm systems. Tropical cyclones can produce extremely high winds, tornadoes, torrential rain (leading to mudslides and flash floods), and drive storm surge onto coastal areas. Hailstorm - a type of storm that precipitates chunks of ice that aren't snow. A tornado is a violent, destructive wind storm occurring on land.

Classification

A strict meteorological definition of a terrestrial storm is a wind measuring 10 or higher on the Beaufort scale, meaning a wind speed of 89 km/h (55 mph) or more; Big terrestrial storms alter the oceanographic conditions that in turn may affect food abundance and distribution: strong currents, strong tides, increased siltation, change in water temperatures, overturn in the water column, etc. The storm classification for assessing the relative power of northeasterly storms in the west-Atlantic has been developed by scientists at the University of Virginia. A relative frequency of 50% means here one such storm every two years and 0.1% once every 1000 years.

	Class 1 weak	Class 2 moderate	Class 3 significant	Class 4 severe	Class 5 extreme
Average peak wave height (m)	2	2.5	3.2	5	7
Average duration (h)	8	18	34	63	96
Relative frequency	49.7% (2 years)	25.2% (4 years)	22.1% (5 years)	2.4% (40 years)	0.1% (1000 years)
Beach erosion	minor	modest	across beach	severe	extreme
Dune erosion	none	minor	significant	erosion and recession	destruction
Overwash	none	none	none	severe on low-profile beaches	region-wide
Property damage	none	modest	local	community-wide	region-wide

Extraterrestrial storms

Storms are not just unique to Earth;

In September of 1994 Hubble telescope using Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 imaged the storms on Saturn, generated by upwelling of warmer air, similar to a terrestrial thunderhead. The storm was observed earlier in September, 1990 and acquired the name Dragon Storm. Though one of the small vessels in the fleet sank to the bottom of the Florida Straits, seven of the remaining vessels reached Virginia within several days after the storm.

In Greek mythology there were several gods of storms: Briareos, by himself the god of sea storms, Aigaios, a god of the violent sea storms and Aiolos who kept the storm-winds, squalls and tempests locked away in the hollows of the floating island of Aiolia, to be released at the command of the gods.

According to the Bible, a giant storm sent by God flooded the Earth.