How do tornadoes form? - James Spann
TED-Ed・3 minutes read
Tornadoes are dangerous rotating columns of air that form in storms and connect to the ground via a cloud funnel, reaching wind speeds of 65-200 miles per hour and lasting over an hour before dissipating. Supercells, powerful thunderstorms over 50,000 feet high, are the perfect environment for tornadoes to form, requiring specific conditions like rising air, condensation, and a mesocyclone.
Insights
- Tornadoes are created within supercells, which are massive thunderstorms, by a complex process involving rising air, condensation, and a mesocyclone, leading to the development of these destructive weather phenomena.
- These rapidly rotating columns of air, connecting with the ground through a cloud funnel, can generate winds of 65-200 miles per hour, lasting over an hour, but dissipate due to stable conditions or moisture depletion, highlighting the destructive potential and transient nature of tornadoes.
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Recent questions
How do tornadoes form?
Tornadoes form within storms when a rotating column of air connects with the ground through a funnel cloud, generating high-speed winds.
What are supercells?
Supercells are powerful thunderstorms that can reach heights exceeding 50,000 feet, serving as the primary environment for tornado formation due to specific atmospheric conditions.
What dangers do tornadoes pose?
Tornadoes pose a significant threat to life and property due to their rapid rotation, high wind speeds ranging from 65-200 miles per hour, and potential for long-lasting destruction.
What conditions are necessary for tornado development?
Tornadoes require specific conditions like rising air, condensation, and the presence of a mesocyclone within a supercell thunderstorm to develop and sustain their rotation.
How long can tornadoes last?
Tornadoes can last over an hour before dissipating, influenced by stable atmospheric conditions or moisture depletion, with some exhibiting long-lasting destructive capabilities.
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Summary
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Deadly tornadoes: nature's destructive force
- Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that form inside storms and connect with the ground via a funnel of cloud, posing a significant threat to life and property.
- Supercells, powerful thunderstorms reaching over 50,000 feet, are the breeding grounds for tornadoes, requiring specific conditions like rising air, condensation, and a mesocyclone to develop.
- Tornadoes form when a vortex enclosed by a storm becomes a rotating wall of cloud, touching the ground and producing winds ranging from 65-200 miles per hour, with some lasting over an hour before dissipating due to stable conditions or moisture depletion.
