Convective Available Potential Energy

Convective Available Potential Energy ( CAPE ) is a measure available for the convection ( vertical air mass movement ) energy. It is directly related to the rate of vertical air mass movement. Higher values ​​correspond to a higher risk of violent storms. At (or before) strong thunderstorms values ​​of more than 1000 up to about 5000 J / kg ( Joule per kilogram) can be observed.