TORNADOS, ELEVATION, AND MOUNTAIN
RANGES
By: Brandon Senese
TORNADOS- WHAT CAUSES THEM?
Tornados are funnels of wind
caused by many factors, some
of those factors being changes
in pressure and in elevation.
 Most tornados in the world
occur within the Tornado Alley of
North America. Mountain and
Mountain Ranges account for
much of this.
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TORNADOS IN PENNSYLVANIA
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I decided to explore Tornados in 3 mountainous areas in
Pennsylvania. Using Interpolation I have shown the
concentration and severity of tornados in certain areas. As
you can see by the legend which indicates degree, pink
and white indicate severity, with actual points being
recorded tornados in 2009.
MOUNTAIN RANGES AND TORNADOES


I explored three mountain ranges for my project. The first I will
be showing is the Piedmont mountain range, followed by the
Central Appalachian Forest range, ending with the High
Allegheny Plateau.
What relation do mountains have upon tornadoes and the
formation of tornados? Studies indicate that large areas of
surrounding geography can cause funnels and encourage the
formation of tornados. I hold this
As well and intend to prove it with
My research and observation of
Correlations.

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Piedmont is a mountain range that runs
through eastern United States.
The map below indicates the Piedmont
range. The gray color indicates the
lowest elevation while Green and blue
indicate the highest elevations. Notice
many tornados form around the higher
elevations rather than on them.
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The Central Appalachian Forest is a
stretch of forest, part of the
Appalachian mountains.
The below map shows the Central
Appalachian Forest Mountain range
for Pennsylvania only. Take note that
there is higher elevation present
than Piedmont with most tornados
occurring near edges of high
elevation.
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The High Allegheny Plateau is a small
part of the Allegheny Mountain Range
featuring high elevation.
The below map shows the High
Allegheny Plateau for Pennsylvania
only. Notice that elevations are even
higher that the Central Appalachian
Forest, and tornados less frequent.
As observed, Tornados are less frequent in
areas of elevation as opposed to lower
elevations. Using three mountainous regions of
Pennsylvania as an example, it can be
observed that this is true.
 Due to the funnel like behavior of tornados,
they are more likely to occur in pocket valleys,
at least in Pennsylvania.
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