answersLogoWhite

0

Why do tornadoes vary in size?

Updated: 9/22/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Best Answer

There are various factors that are not fully understood. Part of it has to do with how much energy a storm can put into producing a tornado, as it takes more energy to move a larger amount of air and large tornadoes tend to be stronger. This depends both on how strong the thunderstorm is and how it is organized (i.e. where energy goes and in what forms). A well organized supercell thunderstorm with a lot of energy can produce very large violent tornadoes. Additionally, a key part of tornado formation occurs when a larger circulation, called a mesocyclone , tightens and intensifies. A mesocyclone that is not tightened as much may result in a large but not particularly strong tornado.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why do tornadoes vary in size?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Are all tornadoes alike?

No. Tornadoes vary greatly in strength, size, duration, speed of travel, and appearance.


What are some differences among tornadoes?

Tornadoes vary in strength, size, duration, speed of travel, color, location, and whether or not they are multiple vortex.


How small or big can a tornado be?

Tornadoes vary widely in size. Small tornadoes in their dissipating stage may be only a few feet wide, while on rare occasions tornadoes have been recorded at over 2 miles wide.


Do tornadoes come in different sizes and shapes?

Yes. Tornadoes vary greatly in size and shape, ranging from narrow and threadlike spin-ups, to massive cones and vertical columns, to enormous wedge tornadoes that appear wider than they are tall.


What are tornadoes as big as?

Tornadoes vary greatly in size. A typical tornado is 50 to 100 yards wide, about the size of a football field. Some may be no wider than a small house while others may be well over a mile wide, large enough to swallow a small town.


What are some effects tornadoes have on the weather?

tornadoes can cause bad and vary destructive hail , heavy rain


How are tornadoes rated for size and strength?

Tornadoes are rated based on the severity of the damage they cause, which is used to estimated wind speed. Although strong tornadoes tend to be larger, size is not an actual factor in rating tornadoes.


How many tornadoes hit Louisiana yearly?

Louisiana averages 38 tornadoes per year, but the number of tornadoes in any given year can vary significantly.


How do tornadoes get their size?

By how strong the tornado is. Even though strong tornadoes tend to be larger how strong a tornado is does not determine its size. Relatively weak tornadoes have been very large and extremely strong tornadoes have been relatively small.


What is the size and speed of tornadoes?

Tornadoes vary widley in size and speed. The average tornado is 50 to 100 yards wide, has winds of 80 to 90 mph, and travels at 30-35 mph. However tornadoes can range anywhere from less than 10 yards wide to over 2 miles wide, can have winds from 65 mph to over 300 mph, and can be nearly stationary or travel at over 70 mph.


How big are Kansas tornadoes?

They vary widely in size. Most are no more than a few hundred yards wide, but at least two have been recorded at over 2 miles wide.


What size do tornadoes start with?

Most tornadoes are just a few yards wide when they touch down and grow to 50 to 100 yards wide at peak size.