MLchartDataset catalogue

Convective available potential energy

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-004669

A measure of the maximum possible kinetic energy that an air parcel can acquire if lifted adiabatically through the atmosphere, representing the potential for buoyant convection. It is calculated by integrating the buoyancy force over the depth of the unstable layer. High values of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) indicate a greater potential for strong thunderstorms.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-004669
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
AbbreviationCAPE
See alsoConvective inhibition
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004669",
  "term": "Convective available potential energy",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A measure of the maximum possible kinetic energy that an air parcel can acquire if lifted adiabatically through the atmosphere, representing the potential for buoyant convection. It is calculated by integrating the buoyancy force over the depth of the unstable layer. High values of Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE) indicate a greater potential for strong thunderstorms.",
  "abbreviation": "CAPE",
  "see_also": [
    "Convective inhibition"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/convective-available-potential-energy/"
}

Record 2,153 of 10,756 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.