Discussion of the VORTEX2 Field Campaign Thus Far and the Contributions of Texas Tech University

The second implementation of the Verification of the Origin of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) represents the most comprehensive collaborative effort dedicated to furthering our understanding of tornadic  thunderstorms.  Through two separate field campaigns (10 May  – 13 June 2009, 1 May – 15 June 2010), roughly 100 scientists and students from 16 universities will man 40 vehicles nomadically through the central United States to address three primary research thrusts:  1.) tornadogenesis itself and the processes that drive it, 2.) the near-ground wind-field around a tornado and its impact on structures and society and 3.) the relationship between a tornadic thunderstorm and its surrounding environment.  A better understanding of these interrelated topics will ultimately further the accuracy and timeliness for which operational decisions and warnings are made.

A project the magnitude of VORTEX2 provides the opportunity for a wide array of observational instrumentation to contribute to investigating the tornado problem.  A review of the participating assets and their respective experimental plans will be shown, along with discussion concerning the logistical complexity and challenges such a large mobile armada inherently possesses.  Additional discussion will focus on the overall experimental execution from the 2009 field campaign accompanied by various preliminary data analyses, previewing the upcoming 2010 campaign.

Texas Tech University (TTU) is well suited to make a significant contribution to VORTEX2 bringing to the table two mobile Ka-band radars and 24 portable StickNet observing towers.  These systems will be detailed by highlighting their functionality, capabilities and historic performance.  As part of a large and diverse field effort, individual teams possess their own autonomous responsibilities day in and day out.   The specific role of Texas Tech and individual team duties will be presented as well as a more personal look at how life on the road outside of operations is conducted.