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Most global warming models predict that the number and severity of tropical cyclones will increase. Do you believe this?

Submitted by john on Thu, 06/26/2014 - 18:54

Read more about Most global warming models predict that the number and severity of tropical cyclones will increase. Do you believe this?

Current Solar Cells have a conversion efficiency of 14.7%. What is the efficiency of Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cells?

Submitted by wGraves on Wed, 05/28/2014 - 18:01

Read more about Current Solar Cells have a conversion efficiency of 14.7%. What is the efficiency of Combined Heat and Power Fuel Cells?

Climate is a subject of current controversy, with climate change skeptics and climate change believers. What do you think?

Submitted by wGraves on Thu, 05/22/2014 - 09:24

Read more about Climate is a subject of current controversy, with climate change skeptics and climate change believers. What do you think?

Fracking produces swarms of small earthquakes. Seismologists expect this to eventually lead to a few large ones. Should we:

Submitted by wGraves on Sat, 05/10/2014 - 18:12

Read more about Fracking produces swarms of small earthquakes. Seismologists expect this to eventually lead to a few large ones. Should we:

In the wake of the 2011 Sendai Earthquake and Tsunami, should nuclear power usage be restored in Japan?

Submitted by wGraves on Fri, 05/02/2014 - 17:19

Yes, the benefit to the national economy outweighs the attendant risk.

16% (5 votes)

Yes, but only after the safety engineering of the reactors and cooling systems is reviewed.

42% (13 votes)

No, administrators are too incompetent to operate the reactor safely

23% (7 votes)

No, the benefit to the national economy does not outweigh the attendant risk

19% (6 votes)

Total votes: 31

What is a tornado?

Taxonomy upgrade extras:

Tornadoes

A tornado is a violently whirling column of air extending from the clouds to the ground. To be called a tornado, it must touch both clouds and ground; otherwise, it is simply a kind of cyclone. Tornadoes almost always extend from thunderstorm clouds called cumulonimbus clouds.

Most tornadoes travel at speeds up to 113 kph (70 mph), with the average speed being 48 kph (30 mph). The speed of the rotating winds of a tornado range from 104 kph (65 mph) to over 400 kph (250 mph).