VORTEX2 project: Largest ever scientific study of tornadoes aims to understand how they form and lead to better predictions and warnings.
The recent (23 May) tornado affecting Joplin, MO and the 27 April tornado outbreak in Alabama were not the worst case scenario. In this 2007 article in the Bulletin of American Meteorological Society, researchers discuss the potential ramifications of a tornado impacting urban areas.
The Center for Severe Weather Research (CSWR) operates the Doppler on Wheels (DOW) mobile radar network, consisting of two dual-polarization, dual-frequency mobile radars and one multi-beam, rapid scan radar, as a National Science Foundation (NSF) facility. Researchers and faculty can request the DOWs for their projects.
CSWR is engaged in research investigating tornadogenesis, tornado structure, hurricane boundary layers and surface wind damage, as well as radar technology. CSWR has also played a major role in VORTEX2, COPS, IHOP, STEP, IPEX, PAMREX and other projects. Here is a list of related CSWR publications.
CSWR is committed to the advancement of radar meteorology education. Additionally, CSWR maintains close collaborations with both Pennsylvania State University and the University of Colorado. Here is a list of educational projects in which CSWR has been involved.
Information about our staff, location and contact information.
VORTEX2 is by far the largest and most ambitious effort ever made to understand tornadoes.
