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Supercell Variations
they come in a variety of shapes and sizes
Supercell storms come in different shapes and sizes, as observed on
radar and by the human eye. Some are very prolific rain producers,
whereas others are drier than the average supercell.
[Image: supercell variations (42K)]
Photograph by Moller
This is a
westward view of a "wet" supercell approaching in the
evening light.
[Image: southeastward View of a texas Supercell (48K)]
Photograph by Moller
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Hard, cumuliform anvil overhang, a vertical
CB edge, and flanking line are all visible
in this southeastward view of a supercell
storm. Mammatus can be seen on the underside
of the North Texas supercell. Golf ball size
hail, downbursts, flash flooding, and rotating
wall clouds occurred without any known tornadoes. |
This slide shows the problem that
frequently arises in viewing a tornadic
storm to the north -- lack of contrast.
The dark precipitation area all too often
blends in with wall clouds, tornadoes, etc.
However, important clues as to the nature of
this particular storm are visible, including
the circular, mid-level cloud bands we saw
in an earlier storm. These bands suggest
rotation, and this storm did produce at least one tornado.
[Image: supercell in poor contrast environment (60K)]
Photograph by Moller
Also note the flat, elongated cloud on
the right side of this photo. This is
another type of "tail cloud," with the
appearance of a beaver's tail.
The east-west oriented cloud frequently
is seen in the vicinity of the stationary
gustfront or "pseudo-warm front," which is
northeast of the rotating updraft.
The "beaver's tail" usually is at rain-free
base level, slightly higher than the tail
cloud associated with a wall cloud.
Storm chase veterans consider these
clues to be strong evidence of a supercell
and suggestive of possible tornado formation,
although not every tornadic supercell has
pronounced mid-level rotating cloud bands
and inflowing tail clouds.
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