Storm Australian Severe Weather Forum

Severe Weather Discussion => General Weather - all topics not current severe weather. => Topic started by: Michael Bath on 09 September 2007, 08:26:40 AM

Title: Horseshoe Vortex
Post by: Michael Bath on 09 September 2007, 08:26:40 AM

Has anyone else seen or photographed these rare cloud formations ?

One of my projects the past month or so was to review all the photo classifications on ASW. While doing this HUGE job I found I had a couple of these horse shoe vortex photos.

This on 25th October 2003 at the start of one of my best chase days ever:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/photography/photos/2003/1025mb01.jpg)

I also saw others on 1st and 26th December 2005

(http://australiasevereweather.com/photography/photos/2005/1201mb33.jpg)

(http://australiasevereweather.com/photography/photos/2005/1226mb02.jpg)

Then just 2 months ago I observed two near each other in a field of fair weather cumulus:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/photography/photos/2007/0718mb01.jpg)

Cropped version of two photos taken 7 seconds apart - they sure don't last long !

Title: Re: Horseshoe Vortex
Post by: Dave Nelson on 11 September 2007, 12:54:53 AM

Hi Michael
                yup sure have

(http://www.sydneystormcity.com/jet-cloudloop01.jpg)

Leaving for home from work back in March 2004, I saw this brief lasting (~ 5 mins) loop
of cloud. I suspect that the jet aircraft, seen in the left of the pic, may have produced the
loop with its wake turbulence. None the less its an intriguing pic.
Further comments received on this pic by visitors to the page havesaid that this
"Horseshoe Vortex" was naturally occuring and that the aircraft proximity was coincidental

Dave Nelson

Title: Re: Horseshoe Vortex
Post by: Jane Gough on 16 September 2007, 02:59:24 AM

Hi Michael and Dave,

Here is one I managed to spot and photograph on 25th February this year while returning from photographing the regeneration of the Victorian Bushfires. It was through the windscreen, hence the colour cast!

(http://www.stormygirl.net/images/horseshoe1250207.jpg)

Cheers,

Jane.

Title: Re: Horseshoe Vortex
Post by: Dave Nelson on 17 September 2007, 06:57:51 AM

Good one Jane

  As Michael has said  they are often there and gone quickly.
  I have probably only ever seen 2 or 3 of them.  The one above
was the only time I had a camera with me.
  They definately are a neat phenomena

Dave