Ideas for Teaching
Why Radar Can't (Usually) See Tornadoes
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Introduction
The
network of WSR-88D Doppler radars across the US has certainly proven itself
for the ability to detect severe weather. Tornado warnings, in particular,
are much better now that National Weather Service forecasters have this
fantastic new (new as of the early 1990s) tool.
But did you know that Doppler radar (usually) can't see an actual tornado? When Doppler radar is cited in a tornado warning it is generally because meteorologists see evidence the storm itself is rotating. It is a supercell thunderstorm or at least contains an area of rotation called a mesocyclone.
When can and when can't Doppler radar see a tornado? It's math! Let's figure it out. We'll be looking into two factors: 1) the first is something you learned in school a loooong time ago - the earth is curved, and 2) the radar "beam" is 1 degree wide.
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Last updated: March
27, 2002
Created by: DSZ