By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Understanding how tornadoes form remains one of nature's greatest enigmas. Scientists dedicated to chasing these twisters aim to uncover the secrets behind these destructive storms.
Robin Tanamachi, a research meteorologist and associate professor at Purdue University, vividly recalls a harrowing experience while gathering data on a massive EF-3 tornado near El Reno, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2013. This tornado, the widest ever recorded, had wind speeds of 295 mph (475 km/h) and claimed eight lives, including three storm chasers. At seven months pregnant, Tanamachi experienced contractions due to the pressure changes, emphasizing the grave reality of her work.
Meteorologists like Tanamachi chase powerful tornadoes across the United States to improve forecasts and warnings. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that an average of 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. annually, with 1,423 tornadoes occurring in 2023 alone, resulting in 83 fatalities. These storms cause significant damage, sometimes amounting to billions of dollars.
The formation of tornadoes involves specific atmospheric conditions, including warm, moist air near the ground, cooler dry air above, and wind shear, which strengthens updrafts and promotes vortex rotation. Tornadoes often arise from "supercells," violent thunderstorms with rotating updrafts that produce heavy rain, strong winds, and large hailstones. Understanding why some supercells spawn tornadoes while others do not remains a mystery.
Scientists like Tanamachi and Karen Kosiba, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, are focused on understanding "tornadogenesis" the process by which a tornado forms. Field data collection, such as placing portable weather stations in a tornado's path, is crucial for revealing details that weather forecasting models alone cannot provide.
Despite the synergy between modeling and observations, predicting the exact formation and location of tornadoes is challenging. Tornadoes form quickly, often within seconds, giving scientists a narrow window to gather data. This makes the process costly and time consuming.
Climate change is altering tornado behavior, expanding the traditional "tornado alley" from the Great Plains to include states like Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Alabama. This shift is concerning, as southeastern tornadoes are often more deadly due to their nocturnal and winter occurrences, higher population densities, and more vulnerable communities.
Amateur storm chasers, driven by fascination, often put themselves and scientific research at risk. Distracted driving and hazardous storm conditions can lead to accidents. Scientists urge storm enthusiasts to follow safety guidelines and participate in guided tours led by experienced storm chasers.
The increasing number of storm chasers complicates scientific research, making it difficult for scientists to position themselves and gather data effectively. In the future, scientists may rely more on robotic devices for data collection due to this congestion.
Tanamachi supports responsible amateur tornado spotters, comparing the awe of witnessing a tornado to a spiritual experience. Her encounter with a picturesque tornado in Rozel, Kansas, in 2013, exemplifies the transcendent beauty that draws people to storm chasing.
