Mergers in supercell environments. Part II: Tornadogenesis potential during merger as evaluated by changes in the near-surface low-level mesocyclone

In Part I, the dynamics governing long-term outcomes of supercell mergers were presented. Previous studies have suggested that many tornadogenesis events happen during storm mergers; however, the ability to predict tornadogenesis with a particular merger remains elusive. Using the conceptual models presented in Part I, we consider the potential for tornadogenesis during each type of merger. Because the grid spacing of the numerical experiments is too coarse to resolve a tornado, we use the intensification of near-surface (25 m AGL) mesocyclonic vorticity as a proxy.