What Is Vorticity?
A measure of spin in the air. Positive vorticity (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) helps storms and low pressure develop. In technical terms: The curl of the velocity field; meteorologically, usually the vertical component ζ = ∂v/∂x - ∂u/∂y, in s^-1; absolute vorticity adds the Coriolis parameter f; synoptic values are about 10^-5 to 10^-4 s^-1, mesocyclone values about 10^-2 s^-1.
Vorticity In Plain English
A measure of spin in the air. Positive vorticity (counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere) helps storms and low pressure develop.
The Technical Definition
The curl of the velocity field; meteorologically, usually the vertical component ζ = ∂v/∂x - ∂u/∂y, in s^-1; absolute vorticity adds the Coriolis parameter f; synoptic values are about 10^-5 to 10^-4 s^-1, mesocyclone values about 10^-2 s^-1.
Lessons That Use Vorticity
- How Tornadoes Form Unit 8: Tornadoes
