Earth’s Atmosphere: Lesson 8 – Tornados

Ch 11/12/13 Earth’s Atmosphere Study Guide Name: ______________________________ Date: ___________ Period: ____ Lesson 8 – Tornados (with Tornado Occurrence Map, if assigned)… 1. 2. Describe the 3 stages in the development of a tornado. a. Formation Stage: A rotating column of air, called a mesocyclone, develops within a supercell thunderstorm. This rotation is typically horizontal at first but tilts vertically as the storm intensifies b. Mature Stage: The mesocyclone descends from the cloud base and makes contact with the ground, forming a visible funnel cloud. The tornado reaches its peak intensity during this stage, with strong winds and potential for significant damage c. Dissipation Stage: The tornado weakens as the inflow of warm, moist air into the storm diminishes or is cut off. The funnel cloud narrows, and the tornado lifts back into the parent thunderstorm, dissipating the rotation Review the Enhanced Fujita Scale. What does it measure? The Enhanced Fujita Scale measures the intensity of tornadoes based on the damage they cause When and how does it measure? The Enhanced Fujita Scale measures tornado intensity by analyzing the damage to structures and vegetation caused by the tornado. It categorizes damage into 28 degrees, from EF0 to EF5, based on estimated wind speeds Which tornados are most common? Tornadoes are most common in regions known as Tornado Alley, primarily in the central United States Which are least common? EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are the least common but most destructive types of tornadoes Which are strongest, last the longest, and go the farthest? EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are the strongest, last the longest, and can travel the farthest. They have wind speeds exceeding 166 mph (267 km/h) and can cause catastrophic damage 3. Where is Tornado Alley? Tornado Alley is primarily located in the central United States, stretching from parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, extending northward into South Dakota and Iowa. Which two air masses create the conditions for tornados to form in this area? The conditions for tornado formation in Tornado Alley are often created by the collision of two air masses: warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the Rocky Mountains 4. Where is the safest place to be in during a tornado? The safest place to be during a tornado is in a sturdy, well-built structure, preferably in a basement or an interior room on the lowest level, away from windows and exterior walls Lesson 9 – Tropical Cyclones (with Hurricane Tracking Map, if assigned)… 1. What is a tropical cyclone? A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds, and thunderstorms. It typically forms over warm tropical or subtropical waters 2. List 3 names for tropical cyclones. What do we call them? Three names for tropical cyclones are hurricanes (Atlantic and Eastern Pacific), typhoons (Western Pacific), and cyclones (Indian Ocean and South Pacific) 3. Where do cyclones derive their energy? Cyclones derive their energy primarily from the warm ocean waters What causes them to lose strength? As they move over cooler waters or land, they lose their energy source and begin to weaken 4. Which direction do hurricanes spin and which way do they usually move in the N. hemisphere? Hurricanes spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and usually move from east to west Which wind system pushes them back to the east? The trade winds, which blow from east to west, can sometimes push hurricanes back to the east 5. Do winds increase or decrease as a hurricane strengthens? Winds increase as a hurricane strengthens, and pressure decreases What about pressure? The stronger the hurricane, the lower its central pressure and the faster its winds 6. Know the stages of hurricane development… Particularly, wind speed. a. Tropical disturbance _________________________________________ b. Tropical depression _ winds up to 38 mph____ c. Tropical storm winds 39-73 mph d. Tropical cyclone (hurricane) winds 74 mph or higher 7. Is a hurricane a high or low pressure system? What type of pressure is found in the eye of the hurricane? A hurricane is a low-pressure system. The eye of the hurricane contains the lowest pressure, known as the eye pressure 8. Know the Saffir-Simpson Scale. What does it classify? The Saffir-Simpson Scale classifies hurricanes based on their maximum sustained wind speeds What are 3 characteristics of a hurricane it describes? Three characteristics described by the scale are wind speed, storm surge potential, and potential for property damage What categories does it include? It includes five categories 9. What is the wind speed for each category? Category 1: Wind speeds 74-95 mph Category 2: Wind speeds 96-110 mph Category 3: Wind speeds 111-129 mph Category 4: Wind speeds 130-156 mph Category 5: Wind speeds 157 mph or higher What are the 3 most powerful hurricanes to hit the USA in recorded history? The three most powerful hurricanes to hit the USA in recorded history are Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Camille (1969), and the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane 10. Hurricane Hazards… a. Where are the strongest winds in a hurricane? The strongest winds in a hurricane are typically found near the eyewall b. What is a storm surge? A storm surge is a rise in water level generated by a storm's winds, pushing water toward the shore c. What kills 9 out of 10 people who die in hurricanes? Water, particularly storm surge-related flooding, kills nine out of ten people who die in hurricanes d. Which branch of NOAA tracks and forecasts hurricanes? The National Hurricane Center (NHC), a branch of NOAA, tracks and forecasts hurricanes 11. Where is the safest place to be during a hurricane? The safest place to be during a hurricane is indoors, ideally in a sturdy building away from windows and doors, and in an area not prone to flooding or storm surge