The purpose of this research project is to better understand why tornadoes only develop in specific environments and under certain circumstances. Tornadogenesis, or the beginning stage of tornado formation, is highly dependent on many environmental parameters. Among these parameters is the cloud base, which is formally known as the Lifting Condensation Level (LCL). Previous studies examined the differences in LCL height at tornadogenesis between the Great Plains and the Southeastern United States. However, we will compare LCL heights in the Great Plains with those in the Northeastern United States. Because tornadogenesis research in the Northeast is sparse, our data collection and analyses will help fill these knowledge gaps and improve tornado warning lead times.

The image shows a tornado's life cycle, beginning with tornadogenesis and ending as a completely mature tornado on the ground.

For this project, we will be deploying an arsenal of meteorological instruments, including tornado probes, Windsonds, and wind-sensor systems. These instruments will assist our team in collecting vital data. The probes will gather temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and GPS coordinates. The Windsonds will allow us to acquire a complete view of the vertical profile of the atmosphere. The probes will be strapped inside a drone and flown into the tornado to gather data inside the funnel.