Lab Assignment: Lightning and Arizona Climate/Weather

Introduction

Since the early stages of Arizona statehood, the climate of Arizona has been considered one of the primary means of economic boon to the state. The climate encourages the growth of cotton, citrus, cattle, and tourism. For Phoenix, where many visitors and temporary residents are located, the nuances of the Arizona weather phenomena missed or unknown. This lab will explore the unique climate and weather features that contribute to Arizona's variable and unique environment.

Thunderstorm Formation

1. What thunderstorm stage has both updrafts and downdrafts occurring?

2. What ingredients do you need for a thunderstorm?

Charge Separation and Static Discharge

3. Label the thunderstorm charge structure, as well as the charge of the ground.

4. Why is positive lightning particularly dangerous? Draw a positive lightning strike above.

Lightning Components

5. What is the name of the lightning bolt component which takes the negative charge towards the ground?

6. What component of lightning do we perceive as the lightning strike?

Monsoon

7. What is a monsoon?

8. What are the moisture sources for precipitation during the Arizona monsoon?

9. In July over Arizona, what direction are the winds?

10. Why is the lightning in Arizona during the monsoon season so "photogenic"?

11. What is the difference in precipitation between June and July in Phoenix? Why is this - what has changed?

Haboobs

12. What causes haboobs?

13. What thunderstorm stage is most likely associated with a haboob?

14. What should you do if caught driving a car in a dust storm?

Climate Zones

15. Label the five climate zones on the elevation map of Arizona.

16. Which climate zone in Arizona is ideal for growing cotton?

17. What causes the urban heat island? What time of day is the urban heat island most pronounced?

18. Which climate zone typically receives monsoonal thunderstorms first? Why?

Monsoon Season San Francisco Peaks Exercise

19. Circle the area on the topographic map where the most lightning is.

20. What climate zone is Flagstaff in? How can you tell?

21. What side of the mountain receives the most lightning during August?

22. Why might this be? Why is there lightning on this side of the mountain as opposed to the opposite side during August? Write a short paragraph.

Attachment:- Lab-Climate.rar