Emily_Currier_HW_Flying Cows
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0836
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Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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EES 0836
Flying Cows
Disasters: Geology vs. Hollywood
Introduction
In the movie Twister (1996), meteorologists/storm chasers are in pursuit of a storm with which they can
use to study the mechanics of a tornado. There are storm chasers in real life, and they will put themselves
into harm's way just to get close enough to dangerous storms. In this scene, as the meteorologists are
chasing a tornado, they see some pretty amazing things flying through the air around the tornado.
Learning Objectives
●
Construct the plausibility of a tornado being able to lift a cow with wind.
(4, 5, b, c)
●
Relate how we should prepare for tornadoes vs. preparation for hurricanes.
(2, 5, d)
Part 1:
Watch the clip
As you can see in the clip, the chasers are driving between tornadoes when they see that cows are also
caught up in the tornado.
1.
Without knowing the wind speed or magnitude of the storm, do you think it’s plausible that a
tornado can pick up a cow?
I think it is plausible that a very powerful tornado can pick up a cow.
2.
Again, without knowing wind speed, do you think a tornado would be able to pick up and
transport a cow?
Yes. Not transport it far but a little distance.
Part 2
: A look at the numbers
When the force of drag equals the force of gravity, you fall at a constant rate, called the “terminal
velocity.”
This is approximately 120 mph for a person. This also implies the reverse, that a wind of 120
mph could pick a person up.
So what does this have to do with our cow? To lift the cow, the pressure of
EES 0836
the wind on the cow has to be at least equal to the weight of the cow divided by the area the cow presents
to the wind.
Pressure Needed = Cow Weight / Available Cow Area
From this, we can figure out the needed wind speed, using a known relationship between wind speed and
pressure.
Important information
Average Cow Height
3 ft
Average Cow Butt Height
3 ft
Average Cow Length
5 ft
Average Cow Butt Length
3 ft
Average Cow Weight
1200 lbs
EES 0836
Questions
1.
What is the area the cow presents to the wind?
Cow Length x Cow Height = Cow Area
Your Answer: ___15_____ ft
2
2.
What is the pressure needed to lift the cow under these conditions?
Cow Weight / Cow Area = Pressure Needed
Your Answer: ____80_____lbs/ft
2
3.
Use the “Force of Wind” chart from page 2. What wind speed is necessary to generate that much
pressure?
About 175-190 mph
4.
With this wind speed, what classification would this tornado be?
EF-4
Okay, so it’s possible. But let’s be more realistic. The cow isn’t going to just stand there as the tornado
approaches! It’s probably going to try to run away. This changes things…
5.
What is the area the cow presents to the wind?
Cow Butt Length x Cow Butt Height = Cow Butt Area
Your Answer: ___9____ ft
2
6.
What is the pressure needed to lift the cow under these conditions?
Cow Weight / Cow Butt Area = Pressure Needed
Your Answer: ___133.3_____lbs/ft
2
7.
Use the “Force of Wind” chart from page 2. What wind speed is necessary to generate that much
pressure?
About 225mph
8.
With this wind speed, what classification would this tornado be?
EF-5
Thought Questions
:
1.
Based on your results, is it possible for a tornado to make a cow fly? Explain your answer.
yes it is possible, but only in very extreme and powerful tornado cases. Tornados of such power to
move a cow are quite unlikely, but still possible.
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EES 0836
2.
Do you think the scene in “Twister” was realistic? Explain your reasoning.
No I do not think the scene in “Twister” was realistic. The cows are kind of gracefully flying by
the car which is unrealistic. Also, it is many cows.
3.
Without doing the math, if you calculated the area of your own body, what tornado classification
do you think would be necessary to pick you up?
I think around 75mph winds or higher could pick me up, so a more extreme EF-0 and higher.
4.
What do you think you should do in the event of a tornado (regardless of the storm's magnitude)?
Explain your answer.
To take cover so you are safe. Definitely do not go outside or on higher levels above ground.