Understanding Tornadoes

Tornadoes, also known as twisters, are violent storms with winds up to 300 mph. The US experiences about 800 tornadoes annually, mainly in Tornado Alley, where warm Gulf air meets cold Canadian air. Tornadoes form from supercells under specific conditions, causing significant damage and fatalities. Safety measures include seeking shelter in basements or bathtubs. Storm chasers study tornadoes to improve forecasting, aiming to predict their occurrence and minimize damage.

What is the maximum wind speed that tornadoes can reach?

• 150 miles per hour

• 400 miles per hour

• 200 miles per hour

• 300 miles per hour

Which area in the US is most affected by tornadoes?

• The Great Plains

• The Rocky Mountains

• The East Coast

• The West Coast

What natural phenomenon is responsible for the creation of tornadoes?

• Supercells

• Earthquakes

• Hurricanes

• Tsunamis

What two types of air masses collide to form tornadoes?

• Warm air from the Indian Ocean and cold air from the Arctic

• Warm air from the Atlantic and cold air from the Pacific

• Warm air from the Pacific and cold air from the Atlantic

• Warm air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from Canada

What is a key indicator that a tornado is about to form?

• Clear skies

• A low-hanging revolving cloud

• A sudden drop in temperature

• Heavy snowfall

How long do tornadoes typically last?

• Several weeks

• A few days

• Several hours

• A few minutes to an hour

What is one recommended safety measure during a tornado?

• Stay outside

• Drive away in a car

• Go to a basement

• Stand near a window

What do storm chasers aim to achieve by studying tornadoes?

• To stop tornadoes from forming

• To increase the number of tornadoes

• To predict when and where tornadoes will strike

• To create more powerful storms

What tools do scientists use to measure tornadoes?

• Seismographs

• Specialized instruments

• Barometers

• Thermometers

What is the ultimate goal of improving tornado forecasting?

• To save lives and aid in rebuilding

• To make tornadoes more powerful

• To prevent tornadoes from occurring

• To increase the frequency of tornadoes