LESSON 2 INTRODUCING STORMS

Inquiry Master 2.1

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes
(Answer Key)
1. Name two facts that you learned about thunderstorms. (Answers may vary and may include
any of the bulleted items listed in the reading selection under the subhead “Thunderstorms.”)

2. What is a big, rotating wind and rainstorm called in different areas? Draw lines to match.

Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean Typhoon

Western Pacific Ocean Hurricane

Indian Ocean or off the coast of Australia Cyclone

3. Complete Table 1.

Table 1 Compare and Contrast Tornadoes and Hurricanes

Question Tornado Hurricane

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

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

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

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

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

With what scale can you The Fujita Scale (also called the Fujita- The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale
measure its damage? Pearson Scale)

© 2000 National Academy of Sciences STC/MS™ C ATA S T R O P H I C E V E N T S 25

 LESSON 2 INTRODUCING STORMS

Name:
Class: Date:

Student Sheet 2.1

Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes
Directions Read “That’s a Fact: An Introduction to Thunderstorms, Tornadoes, and Hurricanes.”
Answer the questions. Then complete Table 1.

1. Name two facts that you learned about thunderstorms.

2. What is a big, rotating wind and rainstorm called in different areas? Draw lines to match.

Atlantic Ocean and eastern Pacific Ocean Typhoon

Western Pacific Ocean Hurricane

Indian Ocean or off the coast of Australia Cyclone

3. Complete Table 1.

Table 1 Compare and Contrast Tornadoes and Hurricanes

Question Tornado Hurricane

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

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

How big is it? The diameter is usually between 100 It is usually 550 km [342 miles] in
and 600 m; some are a few meters wide; diameter.
others are more than 1600 m [1 mile]
wide.

How fast does it move? Some stand nearly still; others move A hurricane can move at speeds of 8
faster than 100 kph [62 mph]. to 24 kph [5 to 15 mph].

How fast do its winds rotate? Its winds can move up to 350 kph [217 A hurricane’s wind speeds can range
mph]. from 119 to 250 kph [74 to 155 mph]
or more.

With what scale can you The Fujita Scale [also called the Fujita- The Saffir/Simpson Hurricane Scale
measure its damage? Pearson Scale]

26 STC/MS™ C ATA S T R O P H I C E V E N T S © 2000 National Academy of Sciences