Unit 8

Dynamics of Alaska boundary layer funnel clouds

Occasionally, funnel clouds are seen in various regions of Alaska. Since this phenomenon is relatively rare, funnel cloud reporting typically make at least the local news. The Alaska funnel clouds are caused due interaction of   the synoptic scale flow and terrain conditions that create vorticity in the lower atmospheric boundary layer. This rotation becomes visible when humidity is high enough for condensation and hence boundary layer cloud formation.

Interior AK radiosonde 2010-07-22 00 UTC
Radio sounding on 2010-07-22 00 UTC. On this day a funnel cloud was observed in Interior Alaska

Learning Goal

After completion of this unit students will be able to

  • Explain the various formation mechanisms of Alaska boundary layer funnel clouds in the various regions

Students’ tasks

  1. Watch this video
  2. Read this paper on the conditions of Alaska funnel cloud formation
Alaska funnel cloud
Funnel cloud over the Tanana Flats as seen from the UAF campus. Photo by US Bhatt. From: Mölders and Kramm 2014

Further readings

Edwin, S., Climatology and forcing mechanisms of funnel clouds in Alaska, 2016. MS thesis

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