2. Parameters

Other Levels » Maximum Parcel Level (MPL) Definition

Definition: Maximum Parcel Level (MPL)

Animation showing depiction of maximum parcel level (MPL)

The maximum parcel level (MPL) is the level to which a parcel will travel before exhausting all of its upward momentum. When a parcel travels through the equilibrium level, its upward acceleration ceases as it becomes colder than its surroundings, but its upward momentum continues to propel the parcel to a higher level. Therefore, the MPL is always at a higher level than the equilibrium level. Practically speaking, the MPL is the maximum predicted height of a thunderstorm for a given sounding.