Why does air spiral parallel to Earth's surface during the initial stages of tornado formation? a. Because of friction, surface winds move more slowly than winds higher in the air column. b. Because of friction, surface winds move more quickly than winds higher in the air column. c. Because of friction, surface winds move more slowly than winds higher in the air column. d. Because of friction, surface winds move more quickly than winds higher in the air column.

Option a. Because of friction, surface winds move more slowly than winds higher in the air column is correct answer.

• When a tornado begins to form, it often starts with a horizontal spinning effect in the lower atmosphere. Friction plays a critical role at this stage. Near the Earth's surface, the friction with the ground slows down the wind speed. However, just above the surface, where there is less interaction with the ground, the wind can move at higher speeds. This difference in wind speed creates what is known as wind shear. The wind shear may cause the air to start rolling horizontally.
• Under the right conditions, an updraft-a rapidly rising column of air- can lift this horizontally rotating air into a vertical position. Once the rotating column of air is vertical, it can begin to collect more air from the surrounding area and intensify, potentially leading to the development of a funnel cloud and, if conditions are right, a tornado.