Podcast
Questions and Answers
As the warm air rises, winds around the storm cause it to rotate and form a ______.
As the warm air rises, winds around the storm cause it to rotate and form a ______.
funnel
While ordinary thunderstorms last between 30 to 60 minutes, ______ can linger on for hours.
While ordinary thunderstorms last between 30 to 60 minutes, ______ can linger on for hours.
supercells
The US experiences about ______ twisters touching down annually.
The US experiences about ______ twisters touching down annually.
1,200
Tornado Alley is especially prone to these storms due to its unique ______.
Tornado Alley is especially prone to these storms due to its unique ______.
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The combination of dry air from the Rocky Mountains and warm, humid air from the Gulf creates perfect conditions to spawn ______.
The combination of dry air from the Rocky Mountains and warm, humid air from the Gulf creates perfect conditions to spawn ______.
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Study Notes
Formation of Tornadoes
- Warm air rising causes rotation, forming a funnel.
- Faster spinning air creates a low-pressure area, drawing in more air and objects.
- Supercells (severe thunderstorms) can last for hours, unlike ordinary thunderstorms lasting 30-60 minutes.
Tornado Frequency and Location
- The US experiences around 1,200 tornadoes annually.
- "Tornado Alley" has unique geography, increasing tornado risk.
- Dry air from the Rockies, warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, and cold air from the Arctic collide, creating ideal storm conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on how tornadoes are formed and their frequency across the United States. This quiz covers the mechanics of tornadoes, the role of supercells, and the geographical factors influencing tornado occurrence. See how much you know about one of nature's most powerful storms!
