Short Wave
Tornado Alley: Home Of Extreme Winds
Apr 2, 2025
Freelance science journalist Sushmita Pathak, an expert on tornado geography, joins guest host Berly McCoy to discuss Tornado Alley, home to around 1,200 tornadoes each year. They dive into why this region sees so many more tornadoes than other parts of the world, attributing it to geographical factors. Pathak contrasts conditions in Central South America, revealing intriguing disparities. The duo also examines the impact of climate change on tornado activity, highlighting the complexity of environmental influences beyond just increasing temperatures.
11:08
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Quick takeaways
- The unique geography of Tornado Alley, where cold and warm air masses collide, creates ideal conditions for tornado formations.
- Recent studies reveal that land surface roughness significantly impacts tornado potential, affecting how winds behave before forming tornadoes.
Deep dives
Geographical Factors Influencing Tornado Frequency
The frequency of tornadoes in Tornado Alley can be attributed primarily to geographical factors. Tornadoes form from thunderstorms, requiring specific conditions involving varying winds, humidity, and temperatures. In Central North America, cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains interacts with warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating ideal conditions for tornado formation. In contrast, other regions, like Central South America, experience fewer tornadoes due to the differences in geographical setup, particularly the roughness of land surfaces.
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