Podcast
Questions and Answers
What atmospheric phenomenon primarily causes tornadoes to form?
What atmospheric phenomenon primarily causes tornadoes to form?
- Low-pressure systems created by the interaction of warm and cold air (correct)
- High-pressure belts that circulate warm air upward
- Regular thunderstorms that develop into supercells over time
- Stable air masses that lead to prolonged thunderstorms
Which region is most commonly associated with tornado formation in the United States?
Which region is most commonly associated with tornado formation in the United States?
- The Great Plains due to high elevation
- The Pacific Northwest due to ocean currents
- The Southeast due to frequent thunderstorms
- Tornado Alley because of its unique geography (correct)
How does the speed of air circulation in a tornado funnel impact its formation?
How does the speed of air circulation in a tornado funnel impact its formation?
- Increased spin speed creates a significant low-pressure area (correct)
- Slower circulation encourages more rainfall to fall
- Higher air speed reduces the severity of the tornado
- Faster air speeds lead to a higher humidity content
What is the average duration of a typical thunderstorm compared to a supercell?
What is the average duration of a typical thunderstorm compared to a supercell?
What combination of air masses is primarily responsible for the development of tornadoes?
What combination of air masses is primarily responsible for the development of tornadoes?
Flashcards
What are tornadoes?
What are tornadoes?
Tornadoes are rotating columns of air that form from thunderstorms.
How do tornadoes form?
How do tornadoes form?
Warm air rising combined with rotating winds creates a funnel, sucking in more air
Tornado Alley
Tornado Alley
Region in the US prone to tornadoes due to unique geography.
Tornado frequency in US
Tornado frequency in US
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Tornado duration
Tornado duration
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Study Notes
Tornado Formation
- Warm air rises, causing rotation due to surrounding winds, creating a funnel.
- Faster spinning air in the funnel creates a low-pressure area which pulls in air and objects.
- Ordinary thunderstorms last 30-60 minutes, but supercells can persist for hours.
Tornado Prevalence
- Tornadoes occur globally, but the US experiences the most, with roughly 1,200 annually.
- "Tornado Alley" is a high-risk area due to specific geographic factors.
- Dry air from the Rockies, warm/humid Gulf air, and cool Arctic air meet, creating ideal conditions for powerful storm formation and tornadoes.
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