Tornado

A large mist generator, fans and a carefully-shaped structure produce the large tornado you see at this exhibit. Random air currents cause both the creation of the tornado and its temporary cessation. This “Tornado” is chaotic and unpredictable much of the time; wandering off the source of the mist, slipping out of the grasp of the shearing winds and presenting a delightful and ever-changing image. The tornado in this exhibit spins counter-clockwise, like most (but not all) tornadoes in the Northern Hemisphere; most tornadoes in the Southern Hemisphere spin clocklwise.

Notice the four vertical aluminum tubes. Find the holes in the sides and feel the air blowing out of the holes. Blow at the tornado or pass your hand through it. Notice that sometimes it takes a while (3 seconds or more) for the tornado to form again.

The tornado vortex is one of many types of vortices that occur in our atmosphere. Hurricanes, frontal rainstorms, waterspouts, and “dust devils” are other examples of atmospheric vortices. Air vortices occur in the air around you all the time, revealing themselves only when they capture something you can see. For instance, when you see leaves whirling around on a sidewalk, an air vortex is present.

Questions to Ask

What causes tornadoes to form?

Which direction do tornadoes in the Northern Hemisphere spin? Do they all travel in the same direction once on the ground?

Does the eye of the tornado have a high pressure or a low pressure? Why?

What wind speed is considered a tornado? What is the scale used to rate the strength of a tornado?

Relevant Arkansas Science Frameworks

ESS.8.k.7, ESS.8.1.5, ESS.8.2.6, ESS.8.3.9, ESS.8.4.9, ESS.8.4.8, ESS.8.4.10, ESS.8.4.11, ESS. 8.7.5, ESS.8.8.1, ESS.8.7.6, ESS8.7.7, ESS.8.7.8, ESS8.7.9, ESS.8.7.10, ESS.8.7.15

"Mini-Vibe" — An activity to do at home or in the classroom