Question

Tornadoes do not develop from all mesocyclones. What is the current estimate, based on

statistics, of the percent of supercell thunderstorms with distinct mesocyclone signatures on
radar that actually produce a tornado?
(a) 1 percent
(b) 5 percent
(c) 30 percent
(d) 50 percent
(e) 75 percent

Answer 1

The current estimate, based on statistics, is that approximately 30 percent of supercell thunderstorms with distinct mesocyclone signatures on radar actually produce a tornado.

Step-by-step explanation:

The current estimate, based on statistics, of the percent of supercell thunderstorms with distinct mesocyclone signatures on radar that actually produce a tornado is approximately 30 percent (c). Not all mesocyclones result in tornado formation. A mesocyclone is a rotating updraft within a supercell thunderstorm, and while it is a necessary condition for tornado formation, it is not sufficient. Only about 30 percent of supercells with distinct mesocyclone signatures on radar go on to produce tornadoes.