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Why Radar Can't (Usually) See TornadoesPage 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 Introduction
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. On to page 2...
Last updated: March
27, 2002 |