A MECHANISM FOR ASSISTING IN THE RELEASE OF CONVECTIVE INSTABILITY

Abstract

A model is proposed as one means whereby an air mass characterized by the “typical” tornado sounding is con- verted to one described by the type of sounding observed in the vicinity of a tornado. By considering certain indica- tions of the vorticity equation, it is possible to analyze configurations of jet axes and jet maxima such that low-level (850 mb.) convergence is surmounted by higher-level (500 mb.) divergence. Thus a model of jet structures is de- scribed which assists in, or possibly in some cases effects, the release of convective instability through vertical stretch- ing or lifting. An example is presented to illustrate the use of this model in tornado forecasting and methods of application are outlined. 1.