1. while scientists aren't entirely certain why tornadoes form, they have some clues into the process.
tornadoes are dangerous funnel clouds that occur during a large thunderstorm. when warm, humid air
near the ground meets cold, dry air from above, a column of the warm air can be drawn up into the
clouds. winds at different altitudes blowing at different speeds make the column of air rotate. as the
spinning column of air picks up speed, a funnel cloud is formed. this funnel cloud moves rapidly and
haphazardly. rain and hail inside the cloud cause it to touch down, creating a tornado. tornadoes
move in a rapid and unpredictable pattern, making them extremely destructive and dangerous.
scientists continue to study tornadoes to improve radar detection and warning times.
the main purpose of this passage is to:
a. show why tornadoes are dangerous
b. explain how a tornado forms
c. compare thunderstorms to tornadoes
d. explain what to do in the event of a tornado