Free Tornadoes Research Proposal Sample

The topic I have chosen for this research project is tornadoes. Specifically, what causes tornadoes and how can people be better protected from them? This topic will include both an earth science and applied science view. The topic is relevant because of the high number of tornadoes that occur in the Midwest
My working is thesis is what are the atmospheric and climate conditions that cause the formation of tornadoes and what can be done to better protect people from them? The topic is significant because tornadoes are one of the most destructive forces experienced in the Midwest United States. Every year hundreds of people are killed and billions of dollars in damage is caused by them. Science had been attempting to develop detection systems to spot tornadoes and the government has implemented warning systems through both television broadcasts and radio interruptions to make announcements.
My previous knowledge of tornadoes is that the generally occur in the Midwest in the spring and summer. The size and intensity of tornadoes is highly variable. Tornadoes are not exclusive to the Midwest, they also occur in other places when there is stormy weather. From watching hurricane coverage, the number of tornadoes sighted or recorded is often mentioned. Television shows have featured called “Storm Chasers” drive around looking for tornadoes so that they can film them and measure them with meteorological devices. Companies manufacture and promote products for the construction of homes that make them safer in the event of a tornado. Many homes in the Midwest have cellars for protection underground from tornadoes. The movie Twister has several scenes of people being caught in the middle of a tornado. The scenes seem implausible, such as when a giant truck is being thrown by the tornado but extremely frightening if in the middle of one.
My preliminary research has drawn me in several directions. The first, the formation of a tornado is succinctly described by Greg Carbin in his article. A tornado forms when warm, moist air close to the ground is lifted up by an incoming front (updraft) and a thunderstorm is formed. The updraft is fed by wind associated with the storm. Underneath the storm, winds of a different rate turn the tube of air and if the tube is turned vertical and joins the updraft a supercell is created. The wind begins to wrap around and blow around the updraft, the updraft is lifted by the storm and a tornado is formed (Carbin 61).
The TCTP is a statistical measure that is used quickly to determine the possibility of a tornado during a cyclone or hurricane (Onerlinde and Fuelberg 1238). Fuhrmann et al, studied and researched conditions in the climate that would be prime for developing an “outbreak” of tornadoes. An “outbreak” is when several tornadoes break out over a short period of time (Fuhrmann et al. 284). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states that the average warning time for tornadoes is only 13 minutes (NOAA). Popular Mechanics in an article states that is impossible to make a home tornado proof but a homeowner’s best option is to have a safe room that is more resistant to the strength of the storm.
This preliminary research has opened up several avenues for me to investigate about tornadoes. An understanding of how tornadoes form and what factors in the climate or weather pattern make this happen. How do scientists measure tornadoes and what systems are the developing to warn people in a practical manner that a tornado is headed towards them. What are precautions a person can take if they are home or outside of the home to protect themselves.

Works Cited

Carbin, Greg. “Tornadoes.” Popular Mechanics May 2015: 60-65. Web 15 Apr. 2015
<http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=2&sid=3602ad5f-e098-467a-b814-
9d818fe30dec%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdm
Umc2NvcGU9c2l0ZQ%3d%3d#db=fth&AN=101867386>
Fuhrmann, Christopher, Conrad, Charles, Kovach, Margaret, McCleod, Jordan, Schmitz,
William, and Dixon, Grady. “Ranking of Tornado Outbreaks across the United States
and Their Climatological Characteristics.” Weather and Forecasting 29.3 (2014): 684-
701. Web 15 Apr, 2015. <http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=
3602ad5f-e098-467a-b814-9d818fe30dec%40sessionmgr4003&vid=7&hid=4110
“How to Make a More Tornado Resistant Home.” Popular Mechanics 6 Mar. 2012.
Web 15 Apr. 2015 <http://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/tips/a7586/how-
Onderlinde, Matthew, and Fuelberg, Henry. “A Parameter for Forecasting Tornadoes
Associated with Landfalling Tropical Cyclones.” Weather and Forecasting 29.5 (2014):
1238-1255. Web 15 Apr. 2015 < http://ehis.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid
=3602ad5f-e098-467a-b814-9d818fe30dec%40sessionmgr4003&vid=5&hid=4110>
“Tornadoes 101.” The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, n.d. Web 15
Apr. 2015 <http://www.noaa.gov/features/protecting/tornados101.html>