Open AccessThe Three-Dimensional Axisymmetric Wind Field Structure of the Spencer, South Dakota, 1998 Tornado
Author(s) -
Karen Kosiba,
Joshua Wurman
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of the atmospheric sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.853
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1520-0469
pISSN - 0022-4928
DOI - 10.1175/2010jas3416.1
Subject(s) - tornado , vortex , inflow , meteorology , geology , rotational symmetry , atmospheric sciences , physics , mechanics
The three-dimensional axisymmetric wind field structure of the violent Spencer, South Dakota, 1998 tornado was analyzed using the ground-based velocity track display (GBVTD) method. Data from a Doppler on Wheels mobile radar, collected at very close range to the tornado, were used to conduct the GBVTD calculations at a very fine (16 m) resolution. The analysis revealed a two-cell vortex with a very strong axial downdraft throughout the observation period, radial inflow jets preceding intensification and a decrease in inflow preceding weakening, swirl ratio values consistent with observed multiple vortex structure, and other features of the vortex.