Hurricane/ Tornado Review

Front

What is a hurricane?

Back

A hurricane is a large, organized system of clouds and thunderstorms that produces winds of 74 mph or higher, forming over warm ocean waters.

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, characterized by a funnel shape and capable of causing significant damage.

Front

What conditions are necessary for hurricane formation?

Back

Hurricanes require warm ocean water, moist air, and low wind shear to develop.

Front

What is the 'Eye' of a hurricane?

Back

The Eye is the calm center of a hurricane, surrounded by the Eye Wall, where the weather is relatively clear and winds are light.

Front

What is the 'Eye Wall' of a hurricane?

Back

The Eye Wall is the ring of thunderstorms surrounding the Eye, where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.

Front

What is Tornado Alley?

Back

Tornado Alley is a region in the central United States known for a high frequency of tornadoes, particularly in the spring.

Front

What are the two main air masses involved in tornado formation in Tornado Alley?

Back

The two main air masses are mT (maritime Tropical) and cP (continental Polar).

Front

What is the typical season for tornadoes in the USA?

Back

The typical season for tornadoes in the USA is spring.

Front

What is the Fujita Scale?

Back

The Fujita Scale is a scale used to rate the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause, ranging from F0 (light damage) to F5 (incredible damage).

Front

What is the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson Scale categorizes hurricanes from Category 1 (minimal damage) to Category 5 (catastrophic damage) based on sustained wind speeds.