A Rotating Air-Ring Model for Atmospheric Vortices and a Peripheral Drag Concept for Tornado Mitigation

Ranko Artuković 

This study introduces Latent Angular Momentum (LAM) as a heuristic parameter for understanding the intensification of rotating atmospheric vortices. Using a simplified air-ring model based on the conservation of angular momentum, we derive an analytical expression for tangential wind speed as a function of radial contraction and latitude. Model predictions yield physically plausible initial radii r0 (approximately 217–220 km for intense hurricanes and 40–81 km for strong tornadoes), consistent with observational data from major storms. We further discuss how climate change may increase the initial radius of air masses drawn into cyclones, potentially leading to more intense vortices. Based on the LAM framework, we propose a novel conceptual tornado mitigation strategy — the External Wind (EW) method — which employs anchored sail-like parachutes (SLPs) to extract angular momentum in the peripheral region of a tornado, where intervention is energetically more favorable. Practical challenges, engineering requirements, and directions for future research are outlined.