A cyclonically rotating vortex, around 2–10 km in diameter, in a convective storm. The vorticity associated with a mesocyclone is often on the order of 10−2 s−1 or greater. (It should be noted that a mesocyclone is not just any cyclone on the mesoscale; it refers specifically to cyclones within convective storms.) Mesocyclones are frequently found in conjunction with updrafts in supercells. Tornadoes sometimes form in mesocyclones. Persistent mesocyclones that have significant vertical extent are detected by Doppler radar as mesocyclone signatures. Tornado warnings may be issued when a mesocyclone signature is detected.
The cyclonic, rotating part of a large thunderstorm. Tornados are usually formed in association with the mesocyclone.
a vertical cylinder of rotating air that develops in the updraft of a severe thunderstorm which is formed when the updraft spins in a counter clockwise direction
a vertical cylinder of rotating air within an updraft
region of rotating updrafts created by wind shear within a supercell storm; it may be the beginnings of a tornado.
A rotating, upward moving column of air in a thunderstorm that can spawn tornadoes.
A rotating shaft of rapidly rising air within a storm. Under certain conditions, a mesocyclone can generate a tornado.
The rotating updraft in a supercell thunderstorm.
A region of rotation, typically 2 to 6 miles in diameter, often found in the southwest part of a supercell. The circulation of a mesocyclone covers an area much larger than the tornado which may develop within it. This is technically a radar term defining a signature of rotation on Doppler radar that meets specific criteria for magnitude, vertical depth, and duration.
A vertical column of cyclonically rotating air (rotating counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) within a severe thunderstorm.
a vertical column of (counterclockwise) rotating air within a severe thunderstorm which may be a precursor to a funnel or tornado; typically a mesocyclone is 2-6 miles in diameter. The circulation of a mesocyclone covers an area much larger than the tornado that may develop within it. Properly used, mesocyclone is a Doppler radar feature that meets specific criteria for magnitude, vertical depth, and duration.
A large, rotating column of air that forms in a violent thunderstorm and may spawn tornadoes.
storm-scale region of rotation, typically around 2-6 miles in diameter and often found in the right rear flank of a supercell (or often on the eastern, or front, flank of an HP storm). The circulation of a mesocyclone covers an area much larger than the tornado that may develop within it. Properly used, mesocyclone is a radar term; it is defined as a rotation signature appearing on Doppler radar that meets specific criteria for magnitude, vertical depth, and duration. Therefore, a mesocyclone should not be considered a visually-observable phenomenon (although visual evidence of rotation, such as curved inflow bands, may imply the presence of a mesocyclone).
the column of storm winds stretching upward and downward through the storm clouds, and from which the tornado funnels drop
A cylinder of cyclonically flowing air that form vertically in a severe thunderstorm. They measure about 3 to 10 kilometers across. About 50 % of them spawn tornadoes.
A area of rotation of storm size that may often be found on the southwest part of a supercell. Its circulation can be larger than the tornado that may develop within it, but not necessarily. Originally a radar term for a rotation signature that met certain criteria, it is best seen on Doppler radar.
Subject: The Earth A vertical column of cyclonically rotating air within a severe thunderstorm.[ Pics List
A mesocyclone is a cyclonic vortex of air, between approximately 2 and 10 km diameter within a convective storm. They can often be found in association with a updrafts in supercells, where tornadoes may form. The term refers only to mesoscale cyclones found within convective storms, and does not apply to other cyclones on the mesoscale.