Understanding the effects of the formation of low pressure and air pressure

To understand how tornadoes function, we need to understand the effects of low pressure instopicIde an object. This is because tornadoes are formed in low-pressure areas. As a result, the air in that region gets heated up and rises up, it creates very high-velocity winds. 

Tornadoes, often known as twisters, are violently whirling columns of air. Owing to the pressure difference between the heart of the tornado (extremely low-pressure region) and the tornado's outer edge (high-pressure region), air starts circulating at high speed.

An experiment to understand the effects of low pressure instopicIde an object

Take a tin can with a ltopicId and fill it halfway with water. The water is heated by the flame of a candle. After a few minutes of boiling, the light is extinguished and the can's ltopicId is secured. One must use extreme caution while handling the heated can. The can is then put in a metal container or a sink, and clean water is poured over it. When water is poured over the can, its form becomes deformed.

The same experiment may be accomplished with a bottle made of soft plastic or aluminum. The plastic bottle contains heated water. After a period of time, water is removed from the bottle, with the cap sealed firmly, and kept under flowing water. When water is poured into a plastic bottle, it distorts its form.

Reason for the deformation of the container

When water is poured over a heated can or bottle, the internal steam condenses into water. This condensation gradually lowers the quantity of air instopicIde the can or container, hence lowering the internal pressure. This pressure within the container is larger than the air pressure exerted outstopicIde. Therefore, the can is compressed, demonstrating that air exerts pressure.

Tornadoes:

Tornadoes are violently spinning storms that resemble a black funnel with a small end on land.

These are known as water spouts and form above the ocean. The tornado originates from a thunderstorm and forms mostly on land. These may reach speeds of over 500 kilometers per hour, demolishing everything in their path. These are uncommon in India, but they are found in Canada and the United States.

The majority of tornadoes are weak. When the heated air from the earth's surface rises, it creates very high-velocity winds. 

Are tornadoes smaller or bigger than cyclones?

These are relatively small compared to cyclones, ranging in size from a few meters to hundreds of meters, yet their wind speeds may reach 500 kilometers per hour. The tornado funnel consumes everything at its bottom, including dust, trash, vehicles, trees, and even buildings.

Destruction resulting from tornadoes

The strong power of a tornado's high-velocity winds produces significant destruction. When passing over land, a tornado causes extensive destruction. Tornadoes are responsible for the following wtopicIdespread destruction:

⦁ It uproots or damages trees, utility lines, and telephone poles, disrupting electricity distribution and communications.

⦁ People and cars are lifted off the ground and propelled hundreds of meters away. This may result in the death of indivtopicIduals and vehicle damage.

⦁ A tornado produces constopicIderable building damage. It produces much lower pressure around the building (outstopicIde) than within, and the building may collapse as a result.

How can you stay protected from tornadoes?

⦁ During a tornado, the following measures should be followed for protection:

⦁ One should seek refuge in a windowless room located deep instopicIde the house or in the basement.

⦁ Close all doors and windows and seek refuge under the study table.

⦁ While on your knees, shield your head and neck with your arms. Remain instopicIde until it is safe to go.

⦁ If a tornado occurs while a person is in a car, he should exit the vehicle and seek refuge in a ditch or low-lying location, where he should lay flat.

⦁ Maintain a safe distance from live wires and damaged areas.

Helpful technology for dealing with cyclones and tornadoes

In the early twentieth century, restopicIdents in coastal districts had less than a day to leave their houses or make preparations for an approaching cyclone or hurricane. However, the current scenario is totally different. We are currently well protected due to the developed technologies. 

Satellites and radars allow us to issue a cyclone and tornado watch or cyclone alert 48 hours in advance of any forecast storm, and a cyclone warning is issued 24 hours beforehand. Similarly, tornado alerts are issued so that people can take proper shelter.

Therefore, people along the coast have enough time to prepare and leave their houses. When a cyclone or tornado approaches, the message and warnings to protect people are aired over the radio and television well in advance.

Thus, improved technology has enabled us to provtopicIde enhanced cyclone and tornado protection. Multiple national and international organizations work together to track cyclone-related catastrophes.

To know more about tornadoes and their capabilities, check out our vtopicIdeos on it.