Understanding Tornadoes

Tornadoes are powerful funnel-shaped clouds that can cause significant destruction. They form quickly, change direction rapidly, and can last a lifetime. The formation involves a horizontal vortex turning vertical, creating a mesocyclone. Tornadoes can reach speeds of 300 mph and travel over 110 mph. The U.S. experiences most tornadoes, especially in Tornado Alley, due to the collision of warm, cool, and dry air masses. Tornadoes are dangerous, with a short warning time of 13 minutes. The EF scale measures their damage. Understanding tornadoes is crucial for safety and scientific research.

What is a key characteristic of tornadoes?

• They form slowly over days.

• They can change direction quickly.

• They are always predictable.

• They only occur in winter.

What is a mesocyclone?

• A type of wind.

• A type of cloud.

• A rotating updraft in a storm.

• A type of rain.

What is the speed range of tornadoes?

• Up to 300 miles per hour.

• Up to 100 miles per hour.

• Up to 50 miles per hour.

• Up to 500 miles per hour.

What was the width of the widest tornado ever recorded?

• 4 miles

• 3 miles

• 2.6 miles

• 1 mile

Which air masses are essential for tornado formation in the U.S.?

• Warm moist air from the Rockies, cool air from the Gulf of Mexico, and dry air from Canada.

• Warm dry air from the Gulf of Mexico, cool air from the Rockies, and moist air from Canada.

• Warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, cool air from Canada, and dry air from the Rockies.

• Warm dry air from Canada, cool air from the Rockies, and moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.

When is the peak tornado season in the United States?

• January and February

• March and April

• May and June

• July and August

In which area do most tornadoes touch down in the United States?

• The West Coast

• The East Coast

• Tornado Alley

• The Southern States

How much time do residents typically have between a tornado warning and a strike?

• 20 minutes

• 13 minutes

• 5 minutes

• 10 minutes

Which country experienced the deadliest tornado in history?

• United States

• India

• China

• Bangladesh

What does the EF scale measure?

• The duration of tornadoes.

• The amount of damage caused by tornadoes.

• The speed of tornadoes.

• The temperature of tornadoes.