Tornado Formation
Within the last decade it has been shown that most tornadoes form from the ground up. Since the storm’s rotation wasn’t visible (air is transparent after all) to radar until the rotation was strong enough to be tracked it was assumed that tornadoes descended from the supporting storm cloud.
That has changed our understanding of how storm forming mechanisms occur.
In support of that process, have you ever seen a dust devil descend from clouds? Nope, never. They are created by ground level air currents. Dust devils don’t become visible until they pick up dirt and debris. Much the same as tornadoes.
As cold, heavier air fronts move across the land, the friction the air has with the ground creates a rolling horizontal tube. The tube's rotation is clockwise relative to its forward motion. When the incoming cold front collides with an approaching warm front the warm air rises lifting the horizontal rolling tube vertically.
As the tube is lifted into the vertical it bends and creates the beginnings of two vortexes. One spinning counter clockwise, the other spinning clockwise. The counter clockwise rotating vortex usually continues to strengthen due to the effects of angular momentum. The clockwise rotating vortex dissipates due to the lack of additional energy input.
If ground contours do not inhibit continued airflows (no forests, mountains, large buildings, etc) the remaining vortex will continue to gain strength due to the air’s momentum.
This effect can be seen when ice skaters perform spins. Initially, when entering the spin their arms are extended. When the skater pulls their arms in, their spin rate increases.
Tornadoes do the same. As their radius decreases, their spin rate increases. This action also creates additional inflow by pulling in more air allowing the intensity to increase.
Our intention is to create countering, disrupting air flows with airplanes disabling the rotating air tube from going vertical and becoming a force that cannot be stopped.
Please help us achieve our goal by donating, via PayPal, using the button below.
© Copyright 1973 - 2026 StormTamers.US