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The formation of tornadoes is complicated.
First, a condition called wind shear, in which the speed or direction of the wind changes with altitude. If the shear is strong enough it can essentially tilt a thunderstorm, this separates the updraft and downdraft of the thunderstorm, preventing them from interfering with one another. This allows the storm to become stronger and last longer.
Additionally, if the wind shear is strong enough it can start the air rolling in what is called horizontal vorticity. This horizontal vorticity can then be turned vertical by a thunderstorm's updraft. When this happens, the thunderstorm may start rotating. The rotation is especially strong in an updraft called a mesocyclone. If the storm intensifies rapidly enough, a relatively warm downdraft called a rear-flank downdraft or RFD can wrap around the bottom part of the mesocyclone. This can then tighten and intensify its rotation and bring it down to the ground to produce a tornado.
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Does tornadoes form by land or water?
Tornadoes most often form on land, but they can form over water.
Do tornadoes form over land?
Tornadoes usually form on land, but they can form on water in which case they are called waterspouts.
Do tornadoes form over cold water or tropic waters?
Generally tornadoes form over land, not water.
Does a hurricane originate over water or land?
They form over water.Hurricanes form over water, tornadoes form over land
Do all tornadoes form over over land?
No, some form over the sea.
Do tornadoes start over land?
Yes tornados do form on land.
Do tornadoes usually form over land?
Yes.
What flat land do most tornadoes form over?
Tornadoes are commonly observed on the Great Plains.
Tornadoes and hurricanes develop over what?
Hurricanes develop over warm ocean water. Tornadoes usually form over land.
Do tornadoes only form over land?
No, they can form over water. At that point it is called a tornadic waterspout.
Can tornadoes lose strength as they move inland?
Tornadoes generally form over land and whether they are on land or over water has little effect on their intensity. It is a hurricane that weakens as it hits land.
Tornadoes and hurricanes develop over which of the following?
Hurricanes form over warm ocean water while tornadoes usually form over land.
