Extended Abstract (2.5M)19.3
Mobile radar observations of tornadic supercells with multiple rear-flank gust fronts
James N. Marquis, Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA; and Y. Richardson, J. Wurman, P. Markowski, and D. C. Dowell
Bands of low-level convergence that qualitatively resemble rear-flank gust fronts are observed in some tornadic supercells by the Doppler on Wheels radars to spiral cyclonically around the center of low-level rotation behind preceding rear-flank gust fronts. A combination of single- and dual-Doppler data are used to discuss the multiple gust front structures in the context of past observations of multiple gust front surges, and possible ramifications for tornado maintenance are hypothesized. In one case, a disruption of the symmetry and stability of a multiple-vortex tornado structure is coincident with a second gust front wrapping around it.
Session 19, High-resolution radar observations of supercells and tornadoes
Friday, 31 October 2008, 10:15 AM-11:45 AM, North & Center Ballroom
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