Classification Essay

Destruction

Hurricane Vs Tornado

We have all seen the destruction that Mother Nature has brought in the last few months, first with the hurricanes and now with the tornadoes. But what do these phenomenons have in common and where do they differ.

A hurricane is a huge storm! It can be up to 600 miles across and have strong winds spiraling inward and upward at speeds of 75 to 200 mph. Hurricanes only form over really warm ocean water of 80oF or warmer. The air must cool off very quickly the higher you go. Also, the wind must be blowing in the same direction and at the same speed to force air upward from the ocean surface. Winds flow outward above the storm allowing the air below to rise.

A tornado is a violent rotating column of air extending from a thunderstorm to the ground. The most violent tornadoes are capable of tremendous destruction with wind speeds of up to 300 mph. They can destroy large buildings, uproot trees, and hurl vehicles hundreds of yards. They can also drive straw into trees. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide to 50 miles long.

Hurricanes gather heat and energy through contact with warm ocean waters. Evaporation from the seawater increases their power. Hurricanes rotate in a counter-clockwise direction around an "eye." The center of the storm or "eye" is the calmest part. It has only light winds and fair weather. When they come onto land, the heavy rain, strong winds, and large waves can damage buildings, trees, and cars. Hurricanes usually last for over a week, moving 10-20 miles per hour over the open ocean.

Tornadoes are much more unpredictable and do not last as long as hurricanes, but they can be as destructive or even more than a hurricane. Their unpredictability makes it impossible to prepare for them. On the other hand tornados last less than an hour so the destruction is "limited" compare to a hurricane. Before thunderstorms develop, a change in wind direction and an increase in wind speed