Spectrum of infrasound radiation from supercell storms

Abstract

We consider the generation of acoustic waves by turbulent convection and perform spectral analysis of a monopole source of sound related to the heat production by condensation of moisture. A quantitative explanation of the correlation between intensity of infrasound generated by supercell storms and later tornado formation is given. It is shown that low lifting condensation level (LCL) and high values of convective available potential energy (CAPE), which are known to favor significant tornadoes, also lead to a strong enhancement of supercell's low frequency acoustic radiation.