What defines a tornado?

A tornado is specifically defined as a rotating column of air that is in contact with both the Earth’s surface and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in some cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the tornado's dynamic nature, which involves rapid movement and a specific structure that creates the characteristic funnel shape.

The rotation and the connection to a cloud are essential components in the definition of a tornado, as they indicate the atmospheric conditions that lead to the formation of such a severe weather phenomenon. Tornadoes often arise during thunderstorms, where wind patterns and atmospheric instability converge to create these intense vortices. Understanding this definition is important for recognizing the danger posed by tornadoes and the meteorological conditions that lead to their formation.