Unit 4: Lesson 3: Severe Storms Assessment Questions

How does a hurricane form?

A hurricane develops when water temperatures are warm enough to provide the necessary heat and moisture to the air.

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is a whirling tropical cyclone that produces wind that can reach 300 km/h.

What causes a thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm forms when relatively warm, humid air rises in an unstable environment.

What is a thunderstorm?

A thunderstorm is a severe storm that generates lightning, thunder, gusty winds, heavy rain, and hail.

What is a tornado?

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air that extends downward from cumulonimbus clouds.

How does a tornado form?

Most tornadoes form in association with severe thunderstorms.

Explain why a hurricane quickly loses its strength as the storm moves onto land.

There is not sufficient moisture. The rough land surface causes winds to subside.

What kind of front is associated with the formation of tornadoes? Explain.

Tornadoes often form in thunderstorms that develop along cold fronts because air masses on either side of the front have very different temperature and moisture conditions.