How coriolis force and the vertical wind shear affect the formation and development of tornadoes?

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   weathermanpeter on August 31, 2010 at 11:49 pm

   Coriolis force and wind shear and critical in tornado formation. Well, wind shear more so than coriolis force, but the coriolis force can enhance a severe thunderstorm. What is meant by wind shear is when, as you ascend through the thunderstorm, the wind changes direction, cyclonically, or counter-clockwise. This, one it strengthens, will produce what it called a mesocyclone, which is a larger, deep column of rotating air in the thunderstorm. The increased rotation and wind shear of the mesocyclone and wrap the storm around itself, creating what is called a tornadic vortex signature, or TVS. You can see them on the Doppler radar as a "hook echo" which basically means a tornado is about to form, or already has. The coriolis force can help in certain situation by increasing the amount of cyclonic circulation and therefore intensifying the storm at a much faster rate. Hope that helps