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Simulation of Hurricane Opal (1995):
Hurricane Opal (1995) was simulated using a research model. An animation of the clouds making up
the hurricane as it moves onshore shows distinct features of an actual hurricane including a clear eye and
spiral rainbands extending out from the center of the storm. The model simulates the dissipation of the hurricane
as it makes landfall, evidences by the slowly disappearing eye. A hurricane loses strength after it makes
landfall because it is removed from its source of energy (warm ocean water). Note that the
center of the animation changes with time in order to coincide
with the location of the storm’s center.
Courtesy of Glen Romine and Robert Wilhelmson, University of Illinois/NCSA
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Simulation of Landspouts:
A research model was used to simulate the airflow along a region of changing wind direction and speed,
similar to that typically found along the leading edge of a squall line. The simulation shows air rising (green)
and sinking (red) within distinct vortices. These simulated vortices are landspouts (weak tornadoes).
Courtesy of Bruce Lee, University of Northern Colorado and Robert Wilhelmson, University of Illinois/NCSA
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Simulation of Supercell Thunderstorms:
Visualization of the data from research models allows scientists to explore severe weather phenomena
from vantage points they would otherwise be unable to. Here you will see eight still images from a movie
simulation of a severe thunderstorm. If you have Internet access, you can see the movie in streaming video
using the link at the top of the page.
Courtesy of Robert Wilhelmson, University of Illinois/NCSA
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Simulation of a Tornadic Supercell:
The visualization of data from the simulation of a tornadic supercell can be seen in streaming
video (if you have an Internet connection). Eight still images from various times through the simulation
are available. The simulation of this supercell thunderstorm produced a vortex (tornado) from the
base of the updraft. Such simulations allow scientists to explore and examine severe weather phenomena that
might otherwise might be elusive.
Courtesy of Robert Wilhelmson, University of Illinois/NCSA
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