Twister!

This book introduces the most violent storms on Earth. Readers will learn where tornadoes are most common, such as Tornado Alley, when they are most likely to occur, and why. Chapters highlight how storms form, the effects of air pressure, temperature, and moisture differences, wind shear, storm rotation and the formation of a mesocyclone, funnel clouds, and how spinning air reaches from cloud to ground to form a tornado. Other sections cover the dangers of multiple tornadoes from tornado families or tornado outbreaks, the variety of possible tornado sizes and shapes, storm chasers, and how to stay safe during a tornado. Why scientists study tornado damage paths, how they measure tornado strength using the Enhanced Fujita Scale, included in a sidebar, and what they look for on Doppler radar to help predict tornado formation are also discussed. Clear, helpful diagrams, full-color photographs, bold glossary words, and an index support this easy-to-read, engaging text. Detailed maps Glossary of key words Index Informative sidebars Table of contents The What's It Like Out? series introduces readers to the science of weather. Clear, helpful diagrams support easy-to-read text that brings important concepts to life. Individual books highlight how and why weather happens, from the molecules in the air to the most violent storms on Earth. Discover how clouds and raindrops form, why the wind blows, where tornadoes and hurricanes are most common, and how they form. Also, learn about the tools forecasters use to predict these weather conditions. Full-color photographs, bold glossary terms, and an index support this engaging series.