TORNADOSToby Rivera

Josh MusquezMargaret Arends

Definition of a tornado A moving destructive circular current of

violent winds that look like funnels & originates from a large storm cloud (cumulonimbus)

This is different than a cyclone because tornados are strictly on land, whereas cyclones originate in the water but can move onto land.

Conditions Necessary for Tornados

Tornados usually originate from a class of thunderstorms that is labeled as “supercells”. These thunderstorms contain an organized rotation of air a few miles up in the atmosphere.

How tornados happen Although scientists are not 100% certain

about what exactly causes a tornado, there are a few important factors. As we already know, they originate from a thunderstorm. The air needs to be twisting, especially higher up in the atmosphere. The difference between the wind speed higher up and on the ground are important for the formation of a tornado.

Picture of [Severe Weather Event]

How the tornados affect humans Tornados can have a huge impact on

human life. Because of the violent wind speeds, which can reach up to 300 mph, tornados are able to destroy anything in their path. Unfortunately this can include houses and other resources humans use. They have the ability to rip out power lines, trees, basically anything.

Aftermath of a tornado in Joplin, Missouri

Safety and Preparations for tornados

Build an emergency kit, containing materials such as food, water and flashlights. Listen to Weather Radio for the latest information. Watch for a dark often greenish sky, large hail, and a load roar. During a tornado you should stay inside, in the lowest part of the building possible. Get away from windows and try to get to a small interior room, such as a closet.

FIRE TORNADOS

These are caused by the combination of turbulent winds and intense heat. They suck in debris, oxygen, and combustible gases to feed the flaming core. The core is usually 1-3 feet wide and 50-100 feet tall. Temperatures inside the core can reach 2000 F.

FUN FACTS A Tornado in Oklahoma once destroyed a

whole motel. People later found the motel’s sign in Arkansas.

In 1931 a tornado in Mississippi lifted an 83 ton train and tossed it 80 feet from the track.

Tornado winds are the fastest winds on Earth

A Tornado can sometimes hop along its path. It can destroy one house and leave the house next door untouched.

Sources www.ready.gov/tornados http://environment.nationalgeographic.co

m/environment/natural-disasters/tornado-profile/

http://www.universetoday.com/71983/how-are-tornadoes-formed/#gsc.tab=0

http://www.backspac.es/r/ZjGq7wLbPZ