The key difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado lies in whether the rotating column of air makes contact with the ground.
Key Differences Explained
| Feature | Funnel Cloud | Tornado |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Contact | Does not touch the ground. | Does touch the ground. |
| Definition | A rotating column of air extending from a storm cloud's base. | A violently rotating column of air extending from a storm cloud's base that touches the ground. |
Understanding the Definitions
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Funnel Cloud: As stated in the reference material, a funnel cloud is a rotating column of air that extends from the base of a storm cloud. Importantly, it does not reach the ground. You might see a funnel cloud hanging in the sky, and it may look like a tornado, but without ground contact, it is classified as a funnel cloud.
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Tornado: Also as per the reference, a tornado is a violently rotating column of air that also extends from the base of a storm cloud, but critically, it does make contact with the ground. This ground contact is what makes it a tornado and what allows it to cause damage.
Practical Implications
- A funnel cloud, while potentially indicative of a developing tornado, does not itself cause damage because it does not touch the earth’s surface.
- A tornado, due to its ground contact, can pick up debris, destroy structures, and generally cause severe damage and pose a risk to life.
Visualizing the Difference
Imagine a water spout hanging down from a tap that doesn't quite reach the sink. That's a funnel cloud. Now picture it reaching the sink and splashing water everywhere – that’s a tornado.
When Does a Funnel Cloud Become a Tornado?
- A funnel cloud becomes a tornado when it touches the ground. This is not always easy to see visually, especially if rain is obscuring the view.
In summary, the difference between a funnel cloud and a tornado is whether the rotating column of air from the storm cloud has made contact with the ground. If it hasn't, it is a funnel cloud; if it has, it is a tornado.
