Thunderstorms and Tornados

Introducing Storms: Tornadoes

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Tornado

is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the Earth and a cumulonimbus cloud. 

Multiple Choice

Fast opposing surface winds form a horizontal __________ . A part of this spinning tube is lifted upward by the Sun's heat as it's speed increases.

• plane

• vortex

• whirlpool

Multiple Select

Choose ALL answers that apply:

In the United States, what type of air masses cause the formation of a tornado?

• warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico

• Cool air from Canada

• Dry air from the Rockies

• Hot air from California

Multiple Choice

___________ of the world's tornadoes occur in the United States.

• one-half

• Three-fourths

• two-fourths

• three-fifths

Enhanced Fujita Scale

This scale measures the strength of tornadoes.

Multiple Choice

According to the the Enhanced Fujita Scale, a tornado with winds of 155 miles per hour is a ________.

• EF-1

• EF-2

• EF-3

• EF-4

Scenario

A tornado swept through Andalusia leaving homes leveled, cars thrown, and top story of brick buildings' walls collapsed.  

Multiple Choice

According to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, what EF-rating would be given to the Andalusia tornado scenario described in the previous slide?

• EF-1

• EF-2

• EF-3

• EF-4

• EF-5

Poll

Which summer activity seems most fun?

• Going to the beach

• Going to friends house

• Going to a theme park

• Going to a zoo

• Reading a good book