Tornadoes 101 - Nat Geo

Front

What is a tornado?

Back

A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground.

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What are the two main types of tornadoes?

Back

Tornadoes are classified as super cell or non-super cell tornadoes.

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What is a super cell tornado?

Back

A super cell tornado forms from a supercell thunderstorm, characterized by a rotating updraft called a mesocyclone.

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What is the Enhanced Fujita Scale?

Back

The Enhanced Fujita Scale is used to rate tornadoes based on wind speed and the damage they cause.

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Which country experiences the most tornadoes?

Back

The United States has the greatest overall number of tornadoes each year.

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What is the primary factor that leads to tornado formation?

Back

Tornadoes form when warm, moist air near the ground rises and meets cool, dry air above.

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What role do storm fronts play in tornado formation?

Back

Storm fronts can create conditions that lead to the development of tornadoes by causing air to rise rapidly.

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What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

Back

A tornado watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while a tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar.

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What is the purpose of monitoring tornadoes?

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Scientists monitor tornadoes to lessen damage and save lives by providing early warnings.

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What is the Saffir-Simpson Scale?

Back

The Saffir-Simpson Scale is used to classify hurricanes, not tornadoes, based on wind speed.