Impact of the Streamwise Vorticity Current on Low‐Level Mesocyclone Development in a Simulated Supercell Geophysical Research Letters

Results from a large eddy simulation of a tornadic supercell developing in a horizontally homogeneous environment are presented which clearly illustrate a connection between low-level mesoyclone development and the development of a streamwise vorticity current (SVC). Although the environment supports tornadic supercells, a strong low-level mesocyclone (LLM) does not develop until a well-defined SVC forms in the storm's forward flank. As the streamwise vorticity in the SVC flows southward and is tilted into the storm updraft creating updraft helicity, the LLM strengthens and lowers toward the surface. The SVC also focuses LLM development in a confined storm-relative position favorable for converging/stretching preexisting vertical