Abstract

The shape of the funnel of a tornado-like vortex formed in a humid atmosphere above the water surface (lakes, seas, oceans) is discussed. An equation that describes the funnel shape of the tornado-like vortices is derived. We have modified the obtained funnel profiles and their dependence on the flow rate using the modified data of humidity changes with altitude in the free atmosphere. It was showed that the shape of the funnel depends on the turbulent air viscosity, the turbulent moisture diffusion coefficient, and the flow rate is obtained. A vortex extended upward from the surface at least as far as cloud base (with that cloud base associated with deep moist convection), that is intense enough at the surface to do damage at one or more points along its path, should be considered a tornado.