Tornado Quiz

Fill in the blank: Tornadoes are most frequent in the _______.

Answer explanation

Tornadoes are most frequent in the Great Plains region of the United States, often referred to as "Tornado Alley," where conditions are ideal for their formation.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Explain how a tornado forms.

Answer explanation

A tornado forms when warm, moist air rises and meets cold, dry air, creating instability. This can lead to the development of a supercell thunderstorm, where wind shear causes rotation, eventually forming a funnel cloud that touches the ground.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Match the EF scale rating with the corresponding wind speed range:

Answer explanation

The EF scale rates tornadoes from EF0 to EF5, with wind speeds ranging from 65-85 mph for EF0, 86-110 mph for EF1, 111-135 mph for EF2, 136-165 mph for EF3, 166-200 mph for EF4, and over 200 mph for EF5.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Fill in the blank: If you are outside or in a vehicle during a tornado, you should seek shelter in a nearby building or _______.

Answer explanation

If you are outside or in a vehicle during a tornado, you should seek shelter in a nearby building or a low-lying area. Low-lying areas, like ditches, can provide some protection from flying debris.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Describe the typical duration of a tornado.

Answer explanation

Tornadoes typically last from a few minutes to over an hour, with most lasting around 10 minutes. Their duration can vary based on the storm system and environmental conditions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Fill in the blank: Tornadoes can lift _______ off the ground.

Answer explanation

Tornadoes can lift various objects off the ground, including cars, trees, and even houses. This demonstrates their immense power and destructive capability.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Why is it important to stay away from windows during a tornado?

Answer explanation

Staying away from windows during a tornado is crucial because strong winds can shatter glass, causing injury. Additionally, debris can be propelled through windows, increasing the risk of harm.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is a tornado?

• A type of hurricane

• A rapidly rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground

• A type of earthquake

• A large wave caused by an underwater earthquake

Answer explanation

A tornado is defined as a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground, distinguishing it from hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, which are different natural phenomena.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

What is the best place to be during a tornado?

• In a car

• In a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building

• Outside in an open field

• Near a window

Answer explanation

The safest place during a tornado is in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. These areas provide protection from flying debris and structural collapse, unlike being in a car or outside.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Where is "Tornado Alley" located?

• In the southeastern United States

• In the northeastern United States

• In the central United States

• In the southwestern United States

Answer explanation

Tornado Alley is primarily located in the central United States, where conditions are favorable for tornado formation due to the clash of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold, dry air from Canada.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2