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Gaining fresh insights The visualizations are like "a three-dimensional virtual storm chase," says University of Illinois atmospheric scientist Matthew Gilmore. Using visualizations, events that occur with blinding speed in the field can be slowed to a crawl for close study. The data can be interrogated in many ways, allowing researchers to look at cross-sections, employ different points of view, and zoom in on small-scale effects. Because of the vast and complex spatial and time datasets involved, the use of interactive visualization tools provides a vital advantage as Wilhelmson's team continues to investigate the mechanisms for tornado formation. In particular, the researchers are examining vortex generation, stretching, and convergence through comparison with theories for tornado formation and through in-depth trajectory analysis.
For further information: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/tornado/ Team members University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Lee Cronce National Severe Storms Laboratory Lou Wicker National Center for Supercomputing Applications Alex Betts
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