Climatology.pdf

Comprehensive Climatology Summary for Grade 12 NSC Exam 2024

Certainly! I'd be happy to elaborate on the definitions of various weather phenomena, including line thunderstorms. Here are more detailed explanations of some key terms:

Line Thunderstorms:

Line thunderstorms, also known as squall lines, are a type of mesoscale convective system characterized by a line of thunderstorms that form along or ahead of a cold front. In South Africa, they often develop along the convergence zone between moist tropical air from the northeast and dry air from the interior. Key features include:

• Extended linear structure, sometimes stretching for hundreds of kilometers
• Intense rainfall, strong winds, and possible hail
• Can persist for several hours and move across large areas
• Often associated with severe weather conditions

Berg Winds:

Berg winds are hot, dry winds that occur in South Africa, typically in winter. Characteristics include:

• Descend from the interior plateau towards the coast
• Warm adiabatically as they descend, leading to high temperatures
• Can cause rapid temperature increases and very low humidity
• Often precede cold fronts and can increase fire danger

Coastal Lows:

Coastal lows are small-scale, shallow low-pressure systems that form and move along the coast of South Africa. They are characterized by:

• Clockwise circulation in the Southern Hemisphere
• Typically move from west to east along the coastline