3.15 tornadoes Quiz

An area where air or liquid spins in a circle is called a

• vortex

• spin cycle

• cool front

Answer explanation

A vortex is defined as an area where air or liquid spins in a circular motion. This term accurately describes the phenomenon, unlike 'spin cycle' or 'cool front', which refer to different concepts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

What scale is used for tornadoes?

• Category Scale

• EF Scale

• Saffir-Simpson Scale

• Metric Scale

Answer explanation

The EF Scale, or Enhanced Fujita Scale, is used to rate the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause. It replaced the original Fujita Scale and is the correct choice for measuring tornado strength.

What is Tornado Alley?

• a popular restaurant

• a ride at Disney

• where most of America's tornadoes occur

• a valley where most of America's tornadoes occur

Answer explanation

Tornado Alley refers to a region in the central United States where a high frequency of tornadoes occurs. This makes the correct answer 'where most of America's tornadoes occur', distinguishing it from the other unrelated options.

Tags

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A strong, severe thunderstorm is called a...

• Mega Storm

• Super Storm

• Super cell

Answer explanation

A strong, severe thunderstorm is called a 'supercell.' Supercells are characterized by their rotating nature and can produce severe weather, including tornadoes and large hail, distinguishing them from other storm types.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is a tornado that forms over water called?

• Super Cell tornadoes

• Non - super cell tornadoes

• Waterspout

Answer explanation

A tornado that forms over water is specifically called a waterspout. Unlike supercell and non-supercell tornadoes, which form over land, waterspouts are associated with thunderstorms and can be dangerous when they move ashore.

Tornadoes can be caused by:

• Hot air bumping into warm air

• a lightning strike

• Children running fast in the hall at school

• A mass of warm air colliding with a mass of cold air

Answer explanation

Tornadoes form when a mass of warm air collides with a mass of cold air, creating instability in the atmosphere. This interaction can lead to the development of strong winds and tornadoes, making this the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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One way to tell if a tornado is coming:

• you see lightning

• you see a funnel cloud

• you see a rainbow

Answer explanation

A funnel cloud is a visible rotating column of air that can develop into a tornado. Seeing a funnel cloud is a direct indication of a tornado's presence, unlike lightning or a rainbow, which are not specific to tornadoes.

Tags

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A tornado's winds can reach

• 5 kilometers per hour

• 50 kilometers per hour

• 480 kilometers per hour

Answer explanation

A tornado's winds can reach extremely high speeds, often exceeding 480 kilometers per hour, making it one of the most powerful natural phenomena. The other options are significantly lower than actual tornado wind speeds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

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Which is NOT a way to stay safe in a tornado?

• Listen to weather reports.

• Find shelter in a basement.

• Stay in your car.

Answer explanation

Staying in your car during a tornado is dangerous, as it can be tossed by strong winds. Instead, you should listen to weather reports and find shelter in a basement for safety.

What are the people called that follow big storms?

• Cloud surveyors

• Radar watchers

• Storm Chasers

• Meteorologists

Answer explanation

The correct term for people who actively pursue and study big storms is 'Storm Chasers'. They often use specialized equipment to observe and document severe weather phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2