What Is Wall Cloud?
A lowered, often rotating section of cloud under a thunderstorm's base, where tornadoes can form. In technical terms: A localized, persistent, often abrupt lowering of cloud base beneath the rain-free base of a cumulonimbus, usually beneath the main updraft on the storm's rear flank; rotating wall clouds, especially with rapid vertical motion, frequently precede tornadoes.
Wall Cloud In Plain English
A lowered, often rotating section of cloud under a thunderstorm's base, where tornadoes can form.
The Technical Definition
A localized, persistent, often abrupt lowering of cloud base beneath the rain-free base of a cumulonimbus, usually beneath the main updraft on the storm's rear flank; rotating wall clouds, especially with rapid vertical motion, frequently precede tornadoes.
Lessons That Use Wall Cloud
- Supercells: The Rotating Thunderstorm Unit 7: Thunderstorms And Lightning
- Storm Spotting And Reporting Unit 16: Climate, Warnings And Safety
