• Question: How is a tornado formed?

    Asked by safe49may on 11 Nov 2020.
    • Photo: Danny Hnatyshin

      Danny Hnatyshin answered on 11 Nov 2020:

      I am not at atmospheric scientist but my basic understanding is:
      When you get extremely big and tall storm clouds you can get very powerful winds forming inside the clouds. These winds can be quite chaotic because of changes in temperature and moisture. When different types (like warm moist air and cool dry air) of fast moving air mix they might start to rotate inside the cloud. If this rotation is strong enough it can start rotating the air beneath the storm cloud which then starts sucking up rain, dust, and degree. This is what makes the tornado visible.

    • Photo: Mohammed Taj-Eldin

      Mohammed Taj-Eldin answered on 11 Nov 2020:

      A tornado is a complex phenomenon by changes in weather temperature, pressure, air moisture and is formed in the following steps:

      1) A large thunderstorm occurs in a cumulonimbus cloud
      2) A change in wind direction and wind speed at high altitudes causes the air to swirl horizontally
      3) Rising air from the ground pushes up on the swirling air and tips it over
      4) The funnel of swirling air begins to suck up more warm air from the ground
      5) The funnel grows longer and stretches toward the ground
      6) When the funnel touches the ground it becomes a tornado

      You can the following video to better understand the process:

      Scientists use complex math and computer programmes to predict when and where tornados might be formed so that people can take precautions and stay safe!

Comments