Analyses of quasi-linear convective system tornado characteristics, environments, and genesis mechanisms

Chehak, Devin Andrew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/108035 Copy

Description

Title

Analyses of quasi-linear convective system tornado characteristics, environments, and genesis mechanisms

Author(s)

Chehak, Devin Andrew

Issue Date

2020-05-13

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Trapp, Robert

Department of Study

Atmospheric Sciences

Discipline

Atmospheric Sciences

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

Severe Weather, Tornado, QLCS, Squall Line, MCS

Abstract

The primary goal of this research was to quantify occurrence frequencies of the two main proposed mechanisms of tornadogenesis in quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs), namely, tilting and stretching (T&S) and HSI and stretching (H&S). This research then sought to investigate differences and similarities between the characteristics of the T&S- and H&S- associated tornadoes and their supporting environments. A combined Doppler radar, tornado report, and environment dataset was compiled for this purpose. Lastly, this research aimed to quantify National Weather Service (NWS) warning performance for both mechanisms. From a strict consideration of only the first tornado generated by a QLCS during 2016-2018, 152 QLCS tornado cases were identified. Of these, 145 where determined to be the result of T&S, and 7 where determined to be the result of H&S, indicating that T&S is far more likely to be the tornadogenesis mechanism of the first tornado in a QLCS. QLCS tornadoes tended to be focused in the southern U.S. during winter and spring and the northern U.S. during summer. Tornadogenesis through H&S occurred relatively earlier in the year and earlier in the day, and resulted in relatively weaker tornadoes than did tornadogenesis through T&S. Environmental analysis showed that H&S environments had relatively lower values of CAPE and relatively higher values of low-level shear compared to T&S. Analysis of NWS warnings showed that H&S tornadoes had relatively lower tornado warning frequencies than did T&S tornadoes, while having, on average, half the warning lead time. Finally, based on a consideration of pre-tornadic Doppler radar data, it was found that H&S low-level circulations tended to form more rapidly than did T&S low-level circulations, thus providing less potential lead time.

Graduation Semester

2020-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108035

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2020 Devin Chehak

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