a disturbance in earth's atmosphere that involves lightning, thunder, possible gusty winds, heavy rain and hail
Thunderstorm
Cumulonimbus clouds
What kind of clouds are in thunderstorm?
unequal heating of air
How does a thunderstorm form?
movement of a liquid or gas in a spiral around a central axis
Vortex
rapid downward draft of cold air replacing rising hot air
How do vortices form?
when a funnel cloud (vortex) touches the ground
Tornado
on dry land (Tornado Alley) and when a funnel cloud touches the ground
Where and how do tornadoes form?
massive rotating storm
Hurricane
over tropical waters and when warm moist air rises above tropical waters
Where and how do hurricanes form?
center of spinning of vortex
Eye
adjacent to eye; heaviest rain and wind
Eye wall
inside is low and outside is high
What is the pressure like in a tornado?
Fujita Scale (F0-F5)
How are tornadoes rated?
hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones
What three hurricane- like storms are the same?
Saffir Simpson Scale (1-5)
How are hurricanes rated?