A comparison of surface observations and visual tornado characteristics for the June 15, 1988, Denver tornado outbreak
Abstract
On June 15, 1988, four tornadoes developed in and near Denver, Colorado, along the Denver Convergence-Vorticity Zone (DCVZ) (or Denver Cyclone [Szoke et al., 1984]), after its intersection with two thunderstorm outflow boundaries. Although the tornadoes formed in proximity to each other in time and space, the two observed by the authors were distinctly different in appearance. One was quite typical of tornadoes in this area, with the vortex mainly defined by dust, whereas the other had an unusually large condensation funnel. In this paper the question of why the tornadoes were so visibly different is examined using two networks of nearby automated surface stations. Our hypothesis is that the visual differences were primarily the result of local variations in low-level moisture. Before examining the June 15 case, however, in keeping with the theme of the Tornado Symposium, tornado observational and research highlights from northeastern Colorado during the past decade will be summarized.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Monograph Series
- Pub Date:
- 1993
- DOI:
- 10.1029/GM079p0353
- Bibcode:
- 1993GMS....79..353S