A supercell is a thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone, a deep, persistently rotating updraft. [1] Due to this, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms. [2]

Mesocyclones are most often located in the right-rear flank of supercell thunderstorms and when embedded within squall lines (whereas mesovortices most often form in the front flank of squall lines), and may be distinguished by a hook echo rotation signature on a weather radar map.

In intense supercells, mid-level mesocyclone becomes strong enough to wrap precipitation around to backside of updraft, creating a characteristic pendant or hook echo. Low-level mesocyclone (from which a tornado can form) is located within notch of hook.

What makes a supercell unique from all other thunderstorm types is that it contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. If the environment is favorable, supercell thunderstorms can last for several hours.

This rotating updraft is known as a mesocyclone. The anvil-shaped formation at the top of the storm marks the level at which the updrafts reach the stratosphere, lose buoyancy (ie., stop rising) and begin to move downstream (blue arrow).

Aug 13, 2024 · We show trends in peak mesocyclone intensity across notable environmental parameter spaces, as well as how low-level mesocyclone strength fluctuates as background environmental characteristics evolve.

Aug 16, 2023 · This study investigates whether the origins of the inflow air into supercell low-level mesocyclones, both horizontally and vertically, can help explain the dynamical role of environmental versus storm-generated vorticity in the development of …

Oct 23, 2024 · Supercells are a particular type of thunderstorm distinguished by a persistent, rotating updraft called a mesocyclone. This rotating updraft plays a crucial role in propelling supercells to become the powerhouses of severe weather.

A supercell thunderstorm, which was originally defined by Browning [1,2], is a thunderstorm that is character- ized by the presence of a mesocyclone. Supercell thun- derstorms are perhaps the most violent of all thunder- storm types, and are capable of producing damaging winds, large hail, weak-to-violent tornadoes, and flash flooding with ...

We define a supercell as a thunderstorm with a deep rotating updraft (mesocyclone). In fact, the major difference between supercell and multicell storms is the element of rotation in supercells.