Application of the shear- and curvature- vorticity equations to the mid-level mesocyclogenesis

Abstract

Based on the shear- and curvature- vorticity equations, it is shown that tilting of horizontal shear vorticity does, in general, not result in a vertical vortex. Rather, vertical shear vorticity is produced if the vorticity in the thunderstorm's inflow is purely crosswise, and vertical curvature vorticity is produced if the vorticity in the thunderstorm's inflow is purely streamwise. In order to complete a vortex, shear- and curvature- vorticity conversions are necessary. This conversion is governed by the pressure and velocity fields. These results are in all respects consistent with earlier results about the mid-level mesocyclogenesis. Further research is being carried out to evaluate the significance of the conversion terms in a supercell thunderstorm.