Tornadogenesis: The Birth of a Tornado in Scientific Detail

The U.S. is entering the heart of tornado season. How do tornadoes come to life? Here is a look at the complex process that happens when a tornado is born.

Understanding How Tornadoes Form

Tornadoes originate in thunderstorm cells, feeding on the specific weather elements in these cells to form the funnels that cause tremendous destruction in many cases. The process of the formation of a tornado is known in scientific circles as tornadogenesis— translating to the "birth of a tornado." Meteorologists and storm chasers have been studying this process for years to provide better forecasting that could save lives.

Weather experts use the acronym SLIM to define the necessary ingredients for tornado generation.

• "S" represents wind shear, also known as the change of wind speeds and direction.

• "L" designates lift— this could mean any element that causes the air to rise, including a cold front or dry line.

• "I" in this acronym means instability. Warmer air is inherently more unstable by nature, causing it to rise more quickly.

• "M" in this definition means moisture. Air filled with more water also rises faster due to its increased buoyancy.