Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone

The Denver Convergence Vorticity Zone (DCVZ) is an orographically-induced atmospheric phenomenon characterized by convergent winds in the High Plains just east of the Denver metropolitan area, typically 50 to 100 km (30 to 60 mi) in length and oriented in a north-south direction.[1] This meteorological feature was subject to scientific scrutiny following a large outbreak of Denver-area tornadoes in 1981 and is implicated in the propensity of the area to spawn landspout (misocyclone) and supercell (mesocyclone) tornadoes.[2] The DCVZ is often associated with the Denver Cyclone effect,[3] which some consider as a more fully developed iteration of the DCVZ, although the Denver Cyclone is considered a distinct atmospheric phenomenon by some scientists.[4]

  1. ^ Glickman, Todd S., ed. (2000). Glossary of Meteorology (2nd ed.). American Meteorological Society. ISBN 978-1-878220-34-9.
  2. ^ Szoke, Edward J. (8 Nov 2006). "The Denver Cyclone and Tornadoes 25 Years later: The Continued Challenge of Predicting Non-supercell Tornadoes". 23rd Conf Severe Local Storms. St. Louis, MO: American Meteorological Society.
  3. ^ Egger, Crystal. "Colorado's Front Range: Understanding Tornadogenesis In relation to the Denver Cyclone". Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  4. ^ Pietrycha, A. Email correspondence quoted by Sam Barricklow, http://www.k5kj.net/DCVZ.htm Archived 2019-11-06 at the Wayback Machine