The mature stage of air-mass thunderstorms
A)is marked by an absence of significant downdrafts.
B)occurs before the anvil shape at the top of the cloud has formed.
C)sees the end of additional water vapor entering the cloud.
D)is marked by the heaviest precipitation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mature stage of air-mass thunderstorms is marked by the heaviest precipitation. This is because the updrafts in the cloud are strong enough to support the growth of large raindrops or even hailstones, which eventually become too heavy to be supported and fall to the ground as precipitation. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as significant downdrafts can still occur during the mature stage, the anvil shape is a characteristic of the dissipating stage, and additional water vapor can still enter the cloud during the mature stage.

The Mature Stage of Air-Mass Thunderstorms