Supercell

An example of a supercell.

A supercell is a strong type of thunderstorm with a thick, rotating updraft (a mesocyclone). Supercell thunderstorms are the largest, most dangerous type of thunderstorms.^[source?] There are really only two types of thunderstorms: supercell and ordinary, but some have four classifications: single-cell, multi-cell, squall line, and supercell.

References

• Structure and Dynamics of Supercell Thunderstorms - NWS
• University of Illinois World Weather Project
• Weather Glossary for Storm Spotters - NWS
• Lemon, Leslie R. (1998): On the Mesocyclone "Dry Intrusion" and Tornadogenesis[1]
• Lemon, Leslie R., Charles A. Doswell III (1979): "Severe Thunderstorm Evolution and Mesocyclone Structure as Related to Tornadogenesis". Monthly Weather Review Vol. 107, No. 9, pp. 1184–1197.[2]
• Browning, K.A. and Ludlam, F.H. (1962): "Airflow In Convective Storms", Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society 88, 117-135.[3] (PDF)

Other websites

The English Wiktionary has a dictionary definition (meanings of a word) for: supercell

• Electronic Journal of Severe Storms Meteorology
• Explanation of Supercells
• Picture sequence of a supercell in Nebraska
• Sideshow of Supercell images