The United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country in the world due to its geographical location and ground topography. Recent research in the journal Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences has found that a smooth ocean-like surface could explain why the United States has the most tornadoes in the world. Waterspouts can form through any type of severe thunderstorm, most commonly supercell storms. Supercell storms are intense systems that rotate overhead and last a long time, creating ideal conditions for tornado formation.
Central North America is a global hotspot for tornadoes due to the combination of the Rocky Mountains to the west and hot, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico. South America has similar conditions with the Andes to the west and humid air from the Amazon basin heading north, but experiences fewer tornadoes. Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers discovered that ground roughness in areas above thunderstorm hot spots affects tornado risk. A smooth and flat ground in the upstream region is a key factor in tornado formation.
New research shows that the smoothness and flatness of the ground in certain areas increase the likelihood of tornado formation. Understanding tornado hotspots is crucial for predicting how they may change due to climate change. A warming climate is making conditions for extreme storms worse, but tornado prediction remains challenging. Further research is needed to better understand tornado behavior and their impacts on different regions.
Moreover, scientists have found that climate change can affect not only frequency but also intensity of these natural disasters, making it increasingly important to study them further.
In conclusion, understanding why certain areas experience more frequent or intense tornadoes than others can help us better prepare for these events in advance, ultimately saving lives and reducing damages caused by these powerful natural disasters.
