The Science of Tornadoes

Book excerpt: Tornadoes are one of the deadliest and most frightening natural disasters. They roar through an area quickly, tearing a path of total destruction. What is the science behind them? This book explains what a tornado is, the meteorological conditions required for tornadoes to form, and what happens inside their swirling bodies. Using fun facts, maps, and vivid photographs, readers will learn about locations of tornadoes in the United States, including Tornado Alley, and ways of measuring a tornado's strength. They will also explore ways to plan and prepare for a tornado, and how to determine the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning. Readers will examine advancements in tornado-prediction technology, allowing them a better understanding the mechanics of one of the most destructive events on Earth.