The Scoop on Tornadoes

Name: _________________________________       Date: _____________

Do you remember how you felt when you first saw the tornado scene in the Wizard of Oz? For sure, a tornado is one of nature's most terrifying displays. In this activity, you'll explore how tornadoes form and look at common tornado myths.

1. Go to the National Weather Service Nature's Most Violent Storms. Read the first paragraph under the heading Tornado! What is the definition of a tornado?
2. Where and when do tornadoes occur most frequently worldwide?
3. Scroll to What Causes Tornadoes? Describe the weather conditions in which tornadoes are most likely to form.
4. Scroll to Waterspouts. How does a waterspout form?
5. Continue to How Do Tornadoes Form? Summarize the steps in tornado formation.
6. Scroll to Tornado Myths. State one tornado myth. Give facts to disprove it.
7. Read this Planet Diary report Twister Swarm Batters South. Describe how clashes of contrasting air masses spawn tornadoes in the United States.
8. What/where is Tornado Alley?