Meteorologist Thea Sandmael was on a mission to study squall line tornadoes, a type of twister that is less common but still dangerous. Unlike supercell tornadoes, which are more well-known and studied, squall line tornadoes are harder to detect and anticipate. Sandmael, along with other researchers, participated in the PERiLS field campaign to gather data on these elusive tornadoes.
During the field campaign, researchers discovered that squall line tornadoes may be more common and pose greater risks than previously believed. They found that these tornadoes can form in environments with low convective available potential energy (CAPE) values, challenging the traditional understanding of tornado formation. New technology, such as dual-polarization radar instruments, has also helped increase the detection of squall line tornadoes.
One surprising discovery during the campaign was the presence of subvortices within a squall line tornado. These smaller vortices can significantly impact the intensity of the tornado and may have been underestimated in previous risk calculations. Understanding the role of these subvortices in squall line tornado formation could lead to more accurate forecasts and warnings.
Researchers like Todd Murphy are using lidar instruments to monitor changes in the atmosphere before a squall line arrives. By analyzing wind shear and rotation patterns ahead of a squall line, meteorologists may be able to predict the formation of tornadic mesovortices more accurately. This could lead to improved warnings and forecasts for squall line tornadoes, ultimately enhancing public safety.
The data gathered during the PERiLS field campaign is still being analyzed, and further insights into squall line tornado formation may emerge in the future. With advancements in technology and a better understanding of the atmospheric conditions that lead to tornado formation, researchers are hopeful that they can improve forecasting capabilities for squall line tornadoes. By studying these elusive twisters, scientists aim to reduce the risks associated with severe weather events in tornado-prone regions like the southeastern United States.
