Tornadoes

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

Front

What is another name for a tornado?

Back

Twister.

Front

What is the process that leads to the formation of a tornado?

Back

Both cool air moving down from the sky and warm air rising from the ground must occur.

Front

What is a mesocyclone?

Back

A mesocyclone is a rotating updraft in a thunderstorm that can lead to the formation of a tornado.

Front

Do scientists know everything about tornadoes?

Back

No, scientists are still researching and learning about tornadoes.

Front

What conditions are necessary for tornado formation?

Back

Warm, moist air at the surface and cool, dry air aloft, along with wind shear.

Front

What scale is used to measure tornado intensity?

Back

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.

Front

What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale?

Back

A scale that rates the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause.

Front

What is the difference between a tornado and a cyclone?

Back

A tornado is a small, rapidly rotating column of air, while a cyclone is a large-scale weather system characterized by low pressure.

Front

What is the typical lifespan of a tornado?

Back

Most tornadoes last less than 10 minutes, but some can last over an hour.