A tornado is a violently rotating windstorm that connects tot he base of a thunderstorm to the ground, often made visible by a condensation funnel.
To form a tornado, first, you need thunderstorms, then you need 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.
The tornado tube was invented by Steve Spangler, a science educator and entrepreneur. He created the tornado tube to demonstrate vortex formation and flow patterns in a simple and engaging way.
A tornado in a bottle is a simple science experiment that demonstrates the formation of a vortex, similar to that of a real tornado, using water and dish soap in a plastic bottle. By swirling the bottle in a circular motion, a mini-tornado is created inside the bottle due to the movement of the liquid. It is a fun and educational way to observe fluid dynamics and turbulence in action.
It is usually just called a debris cloud or dust whirl.
A satellite tornado is a tornado that touches down near and usually orbits a larger tornado within the same mesocyclone.
A tornado is called a funnel because of its shape - it often appears as a rotating column of air that narrows towards the base, resembling a funnel or a cone. This funnel shape is created as the tornado draws in debris and moisture from the ground, giving it its characteristic appearance.
Dallas Tornado was created in 1967.
Panavia Tornado was created in 1979.
Mobile Tornado was created in 1999.
Tornado Glory was created in 2004.
HTC Tornado was created in 2005.
Tennessee Tornado was created in 1999.
Laredo Tornado was created in 1973.
House Tornado was created in 1988.
Red Tornado was created in 1968.
The Human Tornado was created in 1976.
Tornado Rex was created in 1991.
Tornado Luxembourg was created in 1987.