Tornadoes
True or False: Tornadoes can only occur on land.
False: They can also occur on water (Water Spouts)
What are three characteristics of thunderstorms?
1 correct = 100 points
2 correct = 200 points
3 correct = 300 points
1. Heavy Rain
2. Thunder
3. Lightning
A violently rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground is called a(n)...
A. Wind Shear
B. Tornado
C. Lightening Storm
D. Air Mass
B: Tornado
A violent disturbance in the atmosphere caused by a sudden change in air pressure is called a(n).....
A. Air Mass
B. Cloud Formation
C. Storm
D. Lightening Formation
C: Storm
When super-heated air expands and contracts, it produces....
A. Thunder
B. Lightening
C. Wind Shear
D. Both A and B
A: Thunder
Tornadoes are classified based on which of the following?
A. Saffir-Simpson Scale
B. Beufort Wind Damage Scale
C. Fujita Scale
D. Richter Scale
C: Fujita Scale
The transfer of electricity generated by the rapid rushes of air in a cumulonimbus cloud is called
A. Thunder
B. Lightening
C. Hail
D. Wind Shear
B: Lightening
What time of year do most tornadoes occur?
They occur mostly during the spring and summer (April-June)
Clouds that form thunderstorms are called...
A. Nimbus Clouds
B. Cumulonimbus Clouds
C. Cirrus Clouds
D. Stratus Clouds
B: Cumulonimbus Clouds
True or False: Thunderstorms are formed when cold air is forced upward at a warm front.
False: (Thunderstorms are formed when warm air is forced upward at a cold front)
Where is the safest place to be during a tornado?
Underground (Basement)
Why do you see lightening before you hear thunder?
Because sound waves travel more slowly than light waves.
Which of the following is NOT one of the ingredients needed for a tornado to form?
A. Change in wind direction
B. Increase in wind speed
C. Rising air within a thunderstorm
D. A high pressure system
D: A High Pressure System
When are thunderstorms most likely to form?
A. Cool afternoons in the spring and fall
B. Warm mornings in the summer and fall
C. Humid afternoons in the spring and summer
D. Humid afternoons in the winter and spring
C: Humid afternoons in the spring and summer
True or False: Tornadoes are high pressure storms that usually form over land.
False: Tornadoes are low pressure storms
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?
Tornado Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for a tornado to form.
Tornado Warning: Issued when a tornado has been spotted on the ground.
Name four safety precautions that you should take during a thunderstorm.
1 correct = 400 points
2 correct = 800 points
3 correct = 1,200 points
4 correct = 1,600 points
1 Avoid Metal (conduction)
2. Get into low area away from trees and poles
3. Get away from water
4. Avoid using electrical devices
The majority of tornadoes that occur in the United States are classified as what strength level according to the fujita scale?
F0 to F1 (76 percent- most tornadoes are weak in strength)
What causes lightening to form?
A. Regions of air with the same charges
B. Regions of warm air and cold air coming together
C. Regions of air with opposite charges
D. Regions of air with large pressure differences
C: Regions of air with opposite charges
True or False: Tornadoes usually occur along cold fronts.
True
The tornado had touched down for about 10 minutes in Nebraska on June 10. The Warrens had noticed the tornado coming and headed for shelter in their basement. The winds were very strong. After the tornado had passed, they came up from their basement to assess the damage. Only minimal damage was done to their home. Some of the shingles were ripped off their roof. Their neighbor was not so lucky. His mobile home had been pushed over. Luckily, he was out of town. Later that day, the news reported wind speeds of 86 mph (138 kph). In the city, cars had been moved by the tremendous winds. The windows in office buildings had been broken by flying debris.
Based on this description, what was the strength of this tornado based on the fujita scale?
F0 to F1
Name the three stages of thunderstorm development.
1 correct = 500 points
2 correct = 1,000 points
3 correct = 1,500 points
1. Cumulus Stage
2. Mature Stage
3. Dissipation Stage
Tornadoes most often occur in the area of the United States known as tornado alley. Which FOUR states listed below are NOT part of tornado alley?
Nebraska, Kansas, California, Idaho, Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas, Washington, Louisiana, Texas, Oregon, Illinois.
1 correct = 500 points
2 correct = 1,000 points
3 correct = 1,500 points
4 correct = 2,000 points
California, Idaho, Washington, Oregon
What two things cause everyday weather and storms?
1 correct = 500 points
2 correct = 1,000 points
1. Air Pressure
2. Air Masses
What time of the day do tornadoes typically occur?
Late afternoon/early evening
Tornadoes most often occur in an area in the central part of the United States known as tornado alley during the spring months of the year (April to June). Why are tornadoes most likely to form here during the spring months?
This is when and where cold continental polar air from Canada meets warm maritime tropical air from the gulf of Mexico.