How do tornadoes form? - James Spann

What is a tornado?

• A type of cloud that produces heavy rain.

• A rapidly rotating column of air that forms inside storms.

• A strong gust of wind that lasts for a few seconds.

• A large, stationary storm that causes flooding.

What kind of powerful thunderstorm is often associated with the formation of tornadoes?

• Regular rainstorms

• Supercells

• Hailstorms

• Lightning storms

What is the initial atmospheric condition required for a tornado to begin forming?

• Cold, sinking air

• Warm, rising air

• Still, humid air

• Dry, stable air

What is the name for the rotating column of air that develops within a supercell before it fully extends to the ground as a tornado?

• Funnel cloud

• Updraft

• Mesocyclone

• Downdraft