 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Overshooting Storm Top

   March 03, 2021

    Pablo_PSX_20210116_215520

   Photographer:  Pablo Barrios
   Summary Authors:  Pablo Barrios  Jim Foster

   In most cases when  storms ascend through the troposphere, upon
   reaching the  tropopause, the storm’s top will flatten out, giving
   it an anvil shape. However, on occasion, a particularly vigorous
   thunderstorm will develop vertically at such a rate that it actually
   passes through the tropopause into the lower levels of the
    stratosphere, resulting in a noticeable prominence. This is
   referred to as an  overshooting top.

   The tropopause is turbulent and well mixed compared to the more
   stratified, and therefore stable stratosphere, where the temperature
   increases with altitude. Only the most powerful and fastest developing
   storms can protrude into this more stable portion of our Earth’s
   atmosphere. The level where the tropopause occurs varies from about 5
   to 10 miles (8 to 16 km) but is typically lower as latitude increases.
   Additionally, it’s generally lower during the winter season than in
   summer. Photo taken from La Carolina, San Luis, not long after
   nightfall on January 15, 2021.

   Photo Details: Canon T6i camera; 24 mm; f/5,6; 30 sec exposure; ISO
   400.
     * La Carolina, Argentina Coordinates:  -32.80062, -66.09831

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Severe Weather Links

     *  World Severe Weather Information Center
     *  Enhanced Fujita Scale
     *  A Lightning Primer
     *  More About Thunderstorms
     *  Staying Safe Outdoors in Severe Weather
     *  NOAA Storm Prediction Center
     *  Patterns of Lightning Activity
     *  US National Weather Service

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