Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “TORNADO”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

Ionospheric and satellite observations for studying the dynamic behavior of typhoons and the detection of severe storms and tsunamis

Atmospheric acoustic-gravity waves associated with severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, typhoons (hurricanes) and tsunamis can be studied through the coupling between the ionosphere and the troposphere. Reverse ray tracing computations of acoustic-gravity waves observed by an ionospheric Doppler sounder array show that wave sources are in the nearby storm systems and that the waves are excited prior to the storms. Results show that ionospheric observations, together with satellite observations, can contribute to the understanding of the dynamical behavior of typhoons, severe storms and tsunamis.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Thunderstorm intensity as determined from satellite data

Digital infrared data from SMS 2 obtained on May 6, 1975 are used to study thunderstorm vertical growth rates and cloud top structure in relation to the occurrence of severe weather (tornadoes, hail, and high wind) on the ground. All thunderstorms from South Dakota to Texas along a N-S oriented cold front were monitored for a 4 h period with 5 min interval data. Thunderstorm growth rate, as determined by the rate of blackbody temperature isotherm expansion and minimum cloud top temperature, are shown to be correlated with reports of severe weather on the ground.

Adler, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

NASA's participation in the AVE-SESAME '79 program

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center participated with its AVE (Atmospheric Variability Experiment) in a large interagency mesoscale and severe storms experiment identified herein as AVE-SESAME '79 (Atmospheric Variability Experiment-Severe Environmental Storms and Mesoscale Experiment 1979). A primary objective of NASA was to support an effort to acquire carefully edited sets of rawinsonde data during selected severe weather events for use in correlative and diagnostic studies with satellite and radar data obtained at approximately the same times. Data were acquired during six individual 24-h experiments on both the regional and storm scales over a network in the central United States that utilized approximately 20 supplemental rawinsonde sites meshed among 23 standard National Weather Service sites. Included among the six experiments are data obtained between 1200 GMT on April 10 and 1200 GMT on April 11, encompassing the formation and development period for the tornado-producing systems that devastated Wichita Falls, Texas, and other sections of Oklahoma and Texas. The other dates for which data sets are available are April 19-20 and 25-26, May 9-10 and 20-21, and June 7-8, 1979.

Hill, K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Dynamics of severe storms through the study of thermospheric-tropospheric coupling

Atmospheric acoustic-gravity waves associated with severe local thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes can be studied through the coupling between the thermosphere and the troposphere. Reverse group ray tracing computations of acoustic-gravity waves, observed by an ionospheric Doppler sounder array, show that the wave sources are in the neighborhood of storm systems and the waves are excited prior to the storms. It is suggested that the overshooting and ensuing collapse of convective turrets may be responsible for generating the acoustic-gravity waves observed. The results of this study also show that the study of wave-wave resonant interactions may be a potential tool for investigating the dynamical behavior of severe storm systems using ionospheric observations of atmospheric acoustic-gravity waves associated with severe storms.

Hung, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Atmospheric laser Doppler velocimetry - An overview

Research, development, and application of atmospheric laser Doppler velocimetry are overviewed. Consideration is given to operation principles of CO2 heterodyne systems. Global wind, pollution, V/STOL flow, and true airspeed measurements are outlined. Wind energy, dust devils, water spouts, tornadoes, and aircraft wake vortices are covered.

Bilbro, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Micrometeorological applications of a second-order closure model of turbulent transport

Recent applications of the turbulent transport model originally developed by Donaldson to some problems of practical importance in micrometeorology are discussed. Four particular examples considered are the local boundary layer gust front emanating from a thunderstorm; the low-level wind and turbulent distributions of a tornado; the transport of momentum, heat and species within a surface layer canopy, and longitudinal roll vortices in the unstable planetary boundary layer. Results for the last example are discussed in some detail. Comparisons are made between a one-dimensional and a two-dimensional computation of this phenomenon.

Lewellen, W. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Kinetic energy budgets in areas of intense convection

A kinetic energy budget analysis of the AVE-SESAME 1 period which coincided with the deadly Red River Valley tornado outbreak is presented. Horizontal flux convergence was found to be the major kinetic energy source to the region, while cross contour destruction was the major sink. Kinetic energy transformations were dominated by processes related to strong jet intrusion into the severe storm area. A kinetic energy budget of the AVE 6 period also is presented. The effects of inherent rawinsonde data errors on widely used basic kinematic parameters, including velocity divergence, vorticity advection, and kinematic vertical motion are described. In addition, an error analysis was performed in terms of the kinetic energy budget equation. Results obtained from downward integration of the continuity equation to obtain kinematic values of vertical motion are described. This alternate procedure shows promising results in severe storm situations.

Fuelberg, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Detection of severe thunderstorms using short interval geosynchronous satellite data

The potential and limitations of using short interval (3-7 minutes) geosynchronous, infrared data to ascertain thunderstorm intensity, and therefore indirectly detect severe thunderstorms are discussed. Thunderstorms on four case study days were analyzed over selected areas and time periods using SMS/GOES data, and derived satellite based intensity parameters were compared to severe weather reports. Young, growing thunderstorms are intensity rated using the rate of decrease of the satellite observed cloud top minimum equivalent blackbody temperature. Since most storms cannot be observed until they penetrate through the cirrus overcast produced by previous convection, minimum cloud temperature and rate of blackbody temperature isotherm expansion are then used as intensity indicators. Results are presented and problems and limitations of the techniques and the data are examined. In addition, an analysis of cloud top height variations (as viewed by the satellite) in relation to tornado touchdown times and, in a few cases, to mesocyclone formation times is also presented.

Adler, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Medium-range, objective predictions of thunderstorm location and severity for aviation

This paper presents a computerized technique for medium-range (12-48h) prediction of both the location and severity of thunderstorms utilizing atmospheric predictions from the National Meteorological Center's limited-area fine-mesh model (LFM). A regional-scale analysis scheme is first used to examine the spatial and temporal distributions of forecasted variables associated with the structure and dynamics of mesoscale systems over an area of approximately 10 to the 6th sq km. The final prediction of thunderstorm location and severity is based upon an objective combination of these regionally analyzed variables. Medium-range thunderstorm predictions are presented for the late afternoon period of April 10, 1979, the day of the Wichita Falls, Texas tornado. Conventional medium-range thunderstorm forecasts, made from observed data, are presented with the case study to demonstrate the possible application of this objective technique in improving 12-48 h thunderstorm forecasts for aviation.

Wilson, G. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The application of mobile satellite services to emergency response communications

The application of an integrated satellite/terrestrial emergency response communications system in disaster relief operations is discussed. Large area coverage communications capability, full-time availability, a high degree of mobility, plus reliability, are pointed out as criteria for an effective emergency communications system. Response time is seen as a major factor determining the possible survival and/or protection of property. These criteria, can not be met by existing communications systems and complete blackouts were experienced during the past decades caused by either interruption or destruction of existing power lines, and overload or inadequacy of remaining lines. Several emergency cases, caused by either hurricanes, tornados, or floods, during which communication via satellite was instrumental to inform rescue and relief teams, are described in detail. Seismic Risk Maps and charts of Major Tectonic Plates Earthquake Epicenters are given, and it is noted that, 35 percent of the U.S. population is living in critical areas. National and international agreements for the implementation of a satellite-aided global Search and Rescue Program is mentioned. Technological and economic breakthroughs are still needed in large multibeam antennas, switching circuits, and low cost mobile ground terminals. A pending plan of NASA to initiate a multiservice program in 1982/83, with a Land Mobile Satellite capability operating in the 806 - 890 MHz band as a major element, may help to accelerate the needed breakthroughs.

Freibaum, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Spiral feature observed at top of rotating thunderstorm

A dark spiral feature is noted in the geosynchronous satellite visible image of the top of a thunderstorm which also has a Doppler radar-observed mesocyclone. Although the evidence is not conclusive, the feature may represent cyclonic rotation at cloud top associated with the pre-tornado mesocyclone.

Adler, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mesoscale aspects of convective storms

The structure, evolution and mechanisms of mesoscale convective disturbances are reviewed and observation techniques for "nowcasting" their nature are discussed. A generalized mesometeorological scale is given, classifying both low and high pressure systems. Mesoscale storms are shown often to induce strong winds, but their wind speeds are significantly less than those accompanied by submesoscale disturbances, such as tornadoes, downbursts, and microbursts. Mesoscale convective complexes, severe storm wakes, and flash floods are considered. The understanding of the evolution of supercells is essential for improving nowcasting capabilities and a very accurate combination of radar and satellite measurements is required.

Fujita, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mesoscale aspects of jet streak coupling and implications for the short term forecasting of severe convective storms

An analysis of a tornado outbreak in Wichita Falls, Texas was analyzed. The coupling of upper and lower tropospheric jet streaks, leading to severe storm outbreaks is illustrated. The high resolution SESAME data sets indicate that mass and momentum adjustments which couple upper and lower tropospheric jets occur within a 3 to 6 hr time frame over a 100 to 500 km domain, and establish the role of isallobaric forcing in the storm development. It is suggested that the output rate of data from the existing 12 hr network be increased to provide better temporal resolution of wind, mass and moisture data.

Uccellini, L. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Operational procedures relative to severe weather

Severe weather impact on both safety and the economics of all types of aviation, and reduction of elimination are discussed. The functions and responsibilities of the dispatcher are outlined. All surface weather reports showing inclement weather, SIGMET REPORTS, forecasting turbulence or icing, convective SIGMETS: (1) tornadoes; (2) hail 3/4 of an inch or greater; (3) imbedded thunderstorms; (4) squall lines or (5) an area of level four or greater thunderstorms. This information along with PIREPs of severe weather are relayed to affected flights. It is concluded that operational procedures must be timely and well conceived to assure the least amount of impact on airline operations.

Sullivan, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Data registration and integration requirements for severe storms research

Severe storms research is characterized by temporal scales ranging from minutes (for thunderstorms and tornadoes) to hours (for hurricanes and extra-tropical cyclones). Spatial scales range from tens to hundreds of kilometers. Sources of observational data include a variety of ground based and satellite systems. Requirements for registration and intercomparison of data from these various sources are examined and the potential for operational forecasting application of techniques resulting from the research is discussed. The sensor characteristics and processing procedures relating to the overlay and integrated analysis of satellite and surface observations for severe storms research are reviewed.

Dalton, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Mesoscale damage patterns of Hurricane Frederic in relation to enhanced SMS imagery

An F-scale analysis of Hurricane Frederic (September 12 and 13, 1979) was performed in order to determine the structural damage patterns attributed to the storm. Enhanced SMS imagery revealed patterns of mesoscale features as well as features related to the shielding effects of trees and the grouping effect of structures. The scatter in estimating the damage scale was + or - 1 F-scale. It is shown that discrepancies in recorded wind speed and the estimated wind-speed from the F-scale are the result of different damage mechanisms of hurricane and tornado winds. Radar echoes revealed that the structure of Hurricane Frederic changed from an axisymmetric center to an instantaneous center of rotation. Finally, it is suggested that major hurricane wind and water damage be investigated in greater detail by aerial photography, damage vector mapping, and ground surveys.

Fujita, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Operational evaluation of thunderstorm penetration test flights during project Storm Hazards '80

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is conducting a research project called Storm Hazards '80 in order to study the prediction, detectability and avoidance of the hazards of severe storms for aircraft operations. The project, using a highly instrumented NASA F-106B airplane to penetrate thunderstorms, gathered and correlated data from both airborne and ground based instrumentation. The objectives of this project are to determine the effects of lightning on the design and operation of aircraft composite structures and digital electronic systems. The data will be used to determine the correlation of lightning hazards with other severe storm hazards, such as heavy precipitation, hail, turbulence and wind-shear, in order to develop an initial data base for use in design and avoidance. The NASA F-106B was equipped with a weather radar, stormscope, lightning measurement instrumentation and air sampling equipment. This paper will focus on the operational aspects of thunderstorm penetrations and the pilot techniques used to avoid the extremely hazardous portions of the storm such as the tornadoes and hail. It will deal with the effects of the storm elements on the aircraft hardware, avionics and the crew.

Keyser, G. L., Jr.↗