Rivers research with a twist
When Professor Phil Ashworth (School of the Environment and Technology) and two of his undergraduate students were researching on Canada’s South Saskatchewan river with colleagues from UK and US universities, they did not expect to find themselves in the path of a tornado.
But, as he told Channel, "The tornado clouds and funnel formed in front of our eyes about 5 km away, then passed over our field site, touching down and sweeping over the river about 500 metres away. The bright blue ring around the edge of the classic thunder-cloud head caused a spectacular display of lightning."
Phil’s team were working on NERC-supported research involving the use of large antennae and a metal-based boat for geophysical surveys, so some speedy evasive action was called for. Luckily, the twister did not change direction so they were able to shoot some movie and stills as it passed by.
"Twister touch-downs are rare in Saskatchewan State so we sent our digital movie to the TV channels and an hour later it appeared on prime-time evening news on state and national television. The research team will be revising their risk assessment form for next year’s fieldwork season!" Phil added.
