Tornadoes: Understanding Nature's Twisters

Tornadoes, also known as twisters, are fast-spinning clouds of wind capable of causing significant destruction. They can travel at speeds over 170 km/h and reach widths greater than Manhattan. Tornadoes form when warm, wet air from the sea meets cool air from the north and dry air from the mountains, creating ideal conditions. The U.S. experiences nearly 75% of the world's tornadoes, especially in 'Tornado Alley' during May and June. Tornadoes are dangerous, with little warning time, and can be deadly, as seen in the 1989 Dhaka tornado. The EF scale measures tornado damage from levels 0 to 5. Scientists continue to study tornadoes to improve safety and understanding.

What is the maximum speed a tornado can travel?

• 100 kilometers per hour

• 170 kilometers per hour

• 250 kilometers per hour

• 200 kilometers per hour

Which tornado was wider than Manhattan, New York?

• The tornado in Kansas

• The tornado in Florida

• The tornado near El Reno, Oklahoma

• The tornado in Texas

What combination of air masses typically leads to tornado formation in the U.S.?

• Humid air from the sea, dry air from the north, and warm air from the mountains

• Cold air from the sea, warm air from the north, and humid air from the mountains

• Warm, wet air from the sea, cool air from the north, and dry air from the mountains

• Dry air from the sea, warm air from the north, and cool air from the mountains

In which months do most tornadoes occur in the U.S.?

• March and April

• May and June

• July and August

• January and February

Which continent has not recorded any tornadoes?

• Africa

• Antarctica

• Europe

• Asia

What is the average warning time before a tornado strikes?

• 5 minutes

• 10 minutes

• 13 minutes

• 20 minutes

Where did the deadliest tornado in history occur?

• Sydney, Australia

• Oklahoma, USA

• Dhaka, Bangladesh

• Tokyo, Japan

What does the EF scale measure?

• The speed of tornadoes

• The damage caused by tornadoes

• The duration of tornadoes

• The size of tornadoes

What is the highest level on the EF scale?

• Level 6

• Level 5

• Level 4

• Level 3

Why do scientists study tornadoes despite the risks?

• To understand climate change

• To predict earthquakes

• To improve agricultural practices

• To save lives by understanding tornadoes better