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The Effects of Land Cover Type on Tornado Intensity in the Southeastern U.S.

Butler, Kelly M.
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2147-3483
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493414035551863

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Geography (Arts and Sciences).
While storm-scale mechanisms are known to be associated with changes in tornado intensity, tornadoes also intensify and weaken without direct correlation to a known storm- or tornado-scale feature. One non-storm mechanism that could influence the intensity of a tornado is the land cover over which the vortex is traversing. In theory, friction disrupts the cyclostrophic balance achieved between the pressure gradient force and the centrifugal force. While conserving angular momentum, a new balance must be achieved which ultimately alters the rotational velocities. The purpose of this research is to determine if there are statistical relationships between land cover (a proxy for friction) and tornado intensity (as quantified by the difference between the maximum inbound and the maximum outbound Doppler velocities, ΔVmax). Historical storm report data and level II WSR-88D radar data are acquired from archival resources for 30 tornadic storms within the domain and land cover data are extracted from the National Land Cover Database. Tornado locations are approximated from radar observations and a radius of influence extends out from the central point of the tornado, representing area directly affecting the tornadic flow field. Tornado intensity is spatially analyzed against land cover types within the tornadic flow fields using a GIS framework, and only at locations along the tornado path where radar data are observed. Linear and non-parametric statistics are utilized in this preliminary study. Conclusions 4 reveal there are statistical relationships between land cover and tornado intensity. It is found that both the magnitude and direction of surface roughness change are associated with unique changes in tornado intensities.
Jana Houser (Advisor)
Ryan Fogt (Committee Member)
Gaurav Sinha (Committee Member)
121 p.
Atmospheric Sciences; Geography; Meteorology
tornadoes; tornado intensity; surface roughness; friction

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Butler, K. M. (2017). The Effects of Land Cover Type on Tornado Intensity in the Southeastern U.S. [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493414035551863

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Butler, Kelly. The Effects of Land Cover Type on Tornado Intensity in the Southeastern U.S. 2017. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493414035551863.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Butler, Kelly. "The Effects of Land Cover Type on Tornado Intensity in the Southeastern U.S." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1493414035551863

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1493414035551863
488
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.