Student Sheet 2.1

1. Student Sheet 2.1 Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes

2. Different names for Hurricanes • Hurricane – Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean • Typhoon – Western Pacific Ocean • Cyclone – Indian Ocean or off the coast of Australia

3. Where is it likely to form? • Tornado – Tornadoes often form in “Tornado Alley,” an area of the Central Plains between the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. • Hurricane – A hurricane forms over warm waters, including the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean.

4. What causes it to form? • Tornado – One way a tornado forms is when moist, warm air meets cool, dry air head on. • Hurricane – A hurricane forms when warm, moist air rises over tropical waters and wind speeds reach beyond 118 kph (73 mph).

5. How big is it? • Tornado – The diameter is usually between 100 and 600 m; some are a few meters wide; others are more than 1600 m (1 mile) wide. • Hurricane – It is usually 550km (342 miles) in diameter.

6. How fast does it move? • Tornado – Some stand nearly still; others move faster than 100 kph (62 mph) • Hurricane – A hurricane can move at speeds of 8 to 24 kph (5 to 15 mph).

7. How fast do its winds rotate? • Tornado – Its winds can move up to 350 kph (217 mph). • Hurricane – A hurricane’s wind speeds can range from 119 to 250 kph (74 to 155 mph) or more.

8. With what scale can you measure its damage? • Tornado – The Fujita Scale • Hurricane – The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale