9781422269565

understand the exact mechanisms behind the formation of tornadoes within supercells. Tornado formation is a highly complex process and scientists are still actively researching how they form. Here is what scientists do know. Within a supercell, an updraft occurs. An updraft is a column of rapidly rising air that is created by the collision of warm, moist air at the ground surface and cooler air at higher points. Wind shear is also needed to create a tornado. Winds at the ground level might be blowing south at 5 miles per hour (8 kph),

This is an incredibly beautiful picture of a supercell forming over Chaparral, New Mexico. Notice the trees and utility poles' size in comparison to the size of this massive cloud formation.

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Facing the Weather: Tornadoes