The Origin of Rotation in Tornadoes

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This study seeks to investigate the relative roles of downdrafts and surface rotation in the "seed" formation of rotation in tornadoes. This research will lead to explanations of the fundamental processes that lead to the formation of tornadoes in different situations. Specifically, the role of surface friction will be quantified using several numerical simulations as well as different realizations of friction parameterizations. In addition to the training of graduate students, this study will engage the public through radio segments discussing the research and severe weather in general. To investigate these problems, a vorticity decomposition technique will be applied to high-resolution full-physics simulations of thunderstorms as well as to idealized downdraft simulations. The research will apply a vorticity decomposition technique along trajectories to idealized numerical simulations. The mathematical treatment of the problem will introduce aspects of differential geometry into the severe storms community and offer a new perspective on the formal description of vortex dynamics.