Meteorology includes the study of weather and climate. Meteorologists are particularly interested in studying the development of thunderstorms and tornadoes. Storm research and observation began as a hobby for Howard B. Bluestein. Bluestein's interest in meteorology began with cloud photography. After obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering, he continued his postgraduate studies to specialize in Meteorology. In his book, Monster Storms of the Great Plains, Bluestein recounts his experiences chasing storms and researching tornadoes. It also provides the history of the technology used for storm research and data collection. Thunderstorms can be spectacular and yet so destructive. The development of thunderstorms and why tornadoes form continue to perplex scientists (Bluestein, 1999, loc. 2046). The development of a storm begins with the accumulation of clouds (cumulus stage) and updrafts. The moisture in the clouds turns into liquid water and heat is released. The moisture in the clouds turns into raindrops and this changes the density of the clouds. The cooling and weight of the rain cause a downdraft. The wind changes with the downdraft causing gusty winds. Tornadoes can develop in storm cells. According to Bluestein (1999), cells begin when thermal dry, buoyant particles of unsaturated air reach the level of condensation and remain buoyant. In the absence of dry thermals, the cells can activate if the unsaturated air is brought to the condensation level by various means (loc. 359). The word supercell was named by a British meteorologist to describe a large thunderstorm that lasts more than an hour. Supercells are strong thunderstorms that produce hail. Updrafts in supercells can be so strong that… middle of paper… tornadoes develop is very complex. Storm cells form through a process of dry thermals and buoyant particles of unsaturated air reaching the condensation level and remaining buoyant. The cells are then activated if the unsaturated air is brought to the condensation level through various means. Thunderstorms can spawn tornadoes when conditions are right. Tornadoes can occur anywhere and at any time in the world. Tornadoes occur most often in an area that has been called Tornado Alley. Howard Bluestein has spent more than two decades chasing storms and researching tornadoes. Although many new technologies have enabled extensive research in this area, the development of tornadoes still remains a mystery to meteorologists. Works Cited Bluestein, H. (1999) Tornado alley: monster storms of the large plains. [Kindle Version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com