Dr. Orf's Alternative Theory on Tornadogenesis

[Randy Jennings]

Dr. Leigh Orf discusses his simulation work with Pecos Hank in a new video at

He discusses his theory that maybe RFD is a symptom of tornadogenesis that is not required. He believes that SVC plays a bigger role. Hank also compares his simulations to his chase photos.

 

[Caleb Routt]

The RFD is basically an extention of the FFD, there’s no real “clear” boundary between the two. The real difference is when you have a strong VPGF it will tend to bring down drier air from aloft hints the “Clear Slot”. I think as long as you have a source of baroclinic vorticity on either flank and a strong enough vertical pressure pertabation, then tornadogeneisis becomes increasingly more likely.

 

[Robert Edmonds]

I was curious how many core hours these sims use. Paper I found suggested 1.5 million core hours. Oh man...