Spiral Feature Observed at Top of Rotating Thunderstorm

Robert F. Adler Laboratory for Atmospheric Sciences (GLAS), Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, Greenbelt, MD 20771

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Douglas D. Fenn GE/MATSCO, Beltsville, MD 20705

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Douglas A. Moore Air Force Global Weather Central, Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, NE 68113

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Abstract

A dark, spiral feature is noted in the geosynchronous satellite visible image of the top of a thunderstorm which also has a Deppler radar-observed mesocyclone. Although the evidence is not conclusive, the feature may represent cyclonic rotation at cloud top associated with the pre-tornado mesocyclone.

Abstract

A dark, spiral feature is noted in the geosynchronous satellite visible image of the top of a thunderstorm which also has a Deppler radar-observed mesocyclone. Although the evidence is not conclusive, the feature may represent cyclonic rotation at cloud top associated with the pre-tornado mesocyclone.

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