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Despite their structural differences, supercells and quasi-linear convective systems (QLCS) are both capable of producing severe weather, including tornadoes. Previous research has highlighted multiple potential mechanisms by which horizontal vorticity may be reoriented into the vertical at low levels, but it is not clear in which situation what mechanism dominates. In this study, we use the CM1 model to simulate three different storm modes, each of which developed relatively large near-surface vertical vorticity. Using forward-integrated parcel trajectories, we analyze vorticity budgets and demonstrate that there seems to be a common mechanism for maintaining the near-surface vortices across storm structures. The parcels do not acquire vertical vorticity until they reach the base of the vortices. The vertical vorticity results from vigorous upward tilting and simultaneous vertical stretching. While the parcels analyzed in our simulations do have a history of descent, they do not acquire appreciable vertical vorticity during their descent. Rather, during the analysis period relatively large horizontal vorticity develops as a result of horizontal stretching by the horizontal wind, such that it can be effectively tilted into the vertical.
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On the Origins of Vorticity in a Simulated Tornado-Like Vortex
Abstract The authors explore the dynamical origins of rotation of a mature tornado-like vortex (TLV) using an idealized numerical simulation of a supercell thunderstorm. Using 30-min forward parcel trajectories that terminate at the base of the TLV, the vorticity dynamics are analyzed forn= 7 parcels. Aside from the integration of the individual terms of the traditional vorticity equation, an alternative formulation of the vorticity equation and its integral, here referred to as vorticity source decomposition, is employed. This formulation is derived on the basis of Truesdell’s “basic vorticity formula,” which is obtained by first formulating the vorticity in material (Lagrangian) coordinates, and then obtaining the components relative to the fixed spatial (Eulerian) basis by applying the vector transformation rule. The analysis highlights surface drag as the most reliable vorticity source for the rotation at the base of the vortex for the analyzed parcels. Moreover, the vorticity source decomposition exposes the importance of small amounts of vorticity produced baroclinically, which may become significant after sufficient stretching occurs. Further, it is shown that ambient vorticity, upon being rearranged as the trajectories pass through the storm, may for some parcels directly contribute to the rotation of the TLV. Finally, the role of diffusion is addressed using analytical solutions of the steady Burgers–Rott vortex, suggesting that diffusion cannot aid in maintaining the vortex core.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2152537
- PAR ID:
- 10584609
- Publisher / Repository:
- AMS
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
- Volume:
- 80
- Issue:
- 5
- ISSN:
- 0022-4928
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 1361 to 1380
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1175/JAS-D-22-0145.1
