Mystery sounds from storms could help predict tornadoes

[Judi Lynn]

Scientists narrow down causes of low-frequency rumbles emitted before twisters form

Nicola Davis
@NicolaKSDavis
Mon 25 Nov 2019 18.00 ESTLast modified on Tue 26 Nov 2019 15.12 EST

Mysterious rumbles that herald tornadoes could one day be used to predict when and where they will strike, according to researchers.

Storms emit sounds before tornadoes form, but the signals at less than 20Hz are below the limit for human hearing. What causes these rumbles has also been a conundrum.

Now researchers said they have narrowed down the reasons for the sounds – an important factor in harnessing the knowledge to improve warnings.

“The three possibilities are core oscillations [in the tornado], pressure relaxation, and latent heat effects,” said Dr Brian Elbing, of Oklahoma State University, who is part of the team behind the research. “They are all possibilities because what we have seen is that the signal occurs before the tornado touches the ground, continues after it touches the ground, and then disappears some time after the tornado leaves the ground.”

More:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/25/mystery-sounds-from-storms-could-help-predict-tornadoes

[klook]

1. Fascinating.

Reminiscent of the “singing” in the rails when a train is approaching. Very cool and potentially life saving.

[Bayard]

2. Below the limit for human hearing.....

Wonder if certain animals can hear it? Some seem to know when a storm is coming in.

[Javaman]

3. that would explain a lot for sure.

Living here in Austin, we get some truly major storms. (not many tornado's thankfully) My dog, whose terrified of thunder, runs into our bathroom a the first sign of a storm. That's long before we hear anything at all.

[BadgerKid]

4. Decades-old concept finally yielding to measurement.

This would be great especially for rural communities as an early warning system.