Nonsteady Laboratory Simulation of Atmospheric Vortices: Inertial Oscillations and Tornado Skip.
Abstract
Vortices generated in a rotating tank of water exhibited persistent oscillations which had periods close to the inertial period. The persistency of these oscillations suggested that tornado skip phenomen and the life cycle of concentrated atmospheric vortices might be closely linked with inertial oscillations of a tall vortex. This mechanism would provide a means to concentrate angular momentum near ground level to a larger extent than would steady inflow. Calculations of inertial periods for dust devils, water spouts, and tornadoes do agree with the skip interval for multiply occurring tornadoes or the life of concentrated atmospheric vortices. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 13, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA032680
Entities
People
- Jack A. C. Kaiser
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory