Beautiful video of the Creston, Iowa Tornado 3/22/11

[waynebrasler]

The explanation I've always read is that the funnel moves downward because it can't move upward. We've all seen film where the funnel doesn't smoothly and mechanically lower but seems to strain to find terra firma. And we know a funnel aloft is not the same as a tornado on the ground, that the contact with the ground changes the nature of the storm. I've talked to experts about all this and they say the truth is we still have a lot to understand about tornadoes.

[to93]

nice Mike.

[waynebrasler]

Gorgeous! Thanks so much fo both getting this and sharing this. Funnel fade-in and fade-out is always fascinating. Funnels clearly reach for the ground but scientists have yet to explain why. One day we will know what it's all about.

[MesoMediaOU]

@waynebrasler It's due to humidity being drawn into the vortex and the moisture expanding and cooling due to the lower pressure inside the vortex. Pretty simple actually.

[tj987654987654Andrew]

@MesoMediaOU (Humorous comment) So, According to Wayne's law of tornado moisture content vs. strength ratio, I shall endeavor to aim my wife's hairdryer,(set for high heat, because she's got big hair) at the moist spinning one and shout "hey watch this!"

Upon success I shall post my vid.