Final answer:
Tornadoes go through the stages of formation, mature stage, and decay.
Step-by-step explanation:
Life Cycle of a Tornado
- Formation: Tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms called supercells, where air rotates around a horizontal axis. The difference in wind speeds between the jet stream and winds from the Gulf of Mexico causes the air column to shift and create a tornado.
- Mature Stage: During this stage, the tornado is fully formed with a funnel-like shape and spinning violently. Winds at the bottom can reach speeds up to 500 km/h.
- Decay: Tornadoes start to weaken and dissipate due to factors like cooler air, lack of warm moisture, or interaction with the land surface.