T-storms

[snowfan470]

Hey John,

So there was a thread in the off topics section about Mammatus clouds. Ok, I know for a fact that these are formed in strong supercells by extreme convection that reaches the stratosphere and then turns downward. I also know that sometimes the convection is strong enough to actually shoot into the very lower part of the stratosphere causing what is known as an "overshooting top" in the anvil. But, the question is, what limits the convection from going into the stratosphere? I probably know this but can't remember...

Thanks!

 

[admin]

Temps in the stratosphere warm with height, which is the opposite of that in the troposphere. This "inversion" severely limits any convective rising of the air.

-John

 

[snowfan470]

Oh Ok, Now I remember! Thanks!