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UAH scientist conducts tornado research
FAIRHOPE, Ala. — A new study funded by a NOAA operational grant and being conducted at The University of Alabama in Huntsville might one day help determine how the lay of the land makes some Southeastern locales more or less likely to be hit by tornadoes. That knowledge, combined with current forecasting methods, could help meteorologists better determine when to issue weather watches and warnings.
Dr. Tim Coleman, a research scientist in UAH’s Earth System Science Center, said that topography, such as mountains, lakes, bays, oceans, forests and concentrations of buildings might all have a role in encouraging or discouraging tornadic activity in some locations. Those same factors might also influence whether tornadoes become more or less powerful after they form, he added.
Much research has been done in the Plains states, where tornadoes often form, and they are easier to spot there. Little study has been focused on the Gulf Coast, however.
Coleman pointed out his research will begin where others have left off, while utilizing all they have learned. It is hoped looking at how tornadoes react to the topographic variables will add to that body of knowledge.
“We have as much tornado activity here, and the population density is greater,” Coleman said. “Their research has been helpful, but we’re trying to expand it east of the Mississippi where we have more topography. We’re really just scratching the surface of all this because it is new. This research is so new, we’re having to pull other people’s data for now.”
There are many bays from Houston to Panama City, and they have great potential to affect the strength of tornados. Coleman said, “Wind behaves differently over water than over land. It behaves differently over different types of land cover.” As an example, he cited how hills, forests and groups of tall buildings slow wind speed, while crops produce only minimal resistance and water has almost no impact.
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