Extended Abstract (488K)8A.4
Diagnosed structure of the Mulhall, Oklahoma Tornado
Wen-Chau Lee, NCAR, Boulder, CO; and J. Wurman
On 3 May 1999, a supercell thunderstorm, with a pronounced hook echo and an intense cyclonic circulation, was identified by the Norman, OK WSR-88D radar. This thunderstorm, observed by the DOW from 0310-0328 UTC, produced an exceptionally large and powerful tornado with ~800 m in peak wind radius and peak wind speed exceeding 100 m/s. Multiple vortices were identified embedded in the parent tornado circulation. Scanning was conducted through ~85° azimuthal sectors at 12 stepped elevation angles from 0-17°. The volume scan time is ~1 minute; therefore, a total of 16 volumes of single Doppler radar data is collected. The core region of the tornado moved to a range of ~3.5-4.5 km from the DOW, resulting in a radar beam width of 65 m, and 25-37.5 m gate spacing. Staggered pulse repetition frequency resulted in a Nyquist velocity of ±128 m/s.
The tornado structure is deduced using the velocity track display (VTD) technique that has been applied successfully in many tropical cyclones. The axisymmetric and asymmetric structure of the Mulhall tornado can be deduced and show coherent structures over time. The evolution and structure of the tornado will be illustrated using the Holvmoller diagram of different axisymmetric parameters, such as the tangential wind, radial wind, vorticity, vertical velocity, angular momentum and pressure deficit. The swirl ratio can also be estimated from the axisymmetric structures and the values are consistent with those in the lab. simulations of tornadoes with multiple vortices.
Session 8A, Severe Weather II
Sunday, 10 August 2003, 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
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