Condensational theory of stationary tornadoes

Using the Bernoulli integral for air streamline with condensing water vapor a stationary axisymmetric tornado circulation is described. The obtained profiles of vertical, radial and tangential velocities are in agreement with observations for the Mulhall tornado, worldʼs largest on record and longes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physics letters. A 2011-06, Vol.375 (24), p.2259-2261
Main Authors: Makarieva, A.M., Gorshkov, V.G., Nefiodov, A.V.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Using the Bernoulli integral for air streamline with condensing water vapor a stationary axisymmetric tornado circulation is described. The obtained profiles of vertical, radial and tangential velocities are in agreement with observations for the Mulhall tornado, worldʼs largest on record and longest-lived among the three tornadoes for which 3D velocity data are available. Maximum possible vortex velocities are estimated. ► Water vapor condensation causes a logarithmic drop of air pressure towards tornado center. ► The first ever theoretical description of tornado velocities is obtained. ► The maximum vortex velocity grows logarithmically with decreasing tornado eye radius. ► Air motion with high velocities can only develop in sufficiently large condensation areas.
ISSN:0375-9601
1873-2429
DOI:10.1016/j.physleta.2011.04.023