Partikelytornas

Partikelytornas, meaning particle tornadoes in Swedish, is a term used in some meteorological and aerosol-physics contexts to describe small-scale vortices in which suspended particles play a dominant role in the flow dynamics. They are not widely codified as a separate weather category, but the concept appears in discussions of particle-laden turbulence, dust and smoke plumes, and urban or industrial airflows.

Formation and characteristics

Partikelytornas are thought to form where vertical air motions, wind shear, and high concentrations of aerosols interact. Heating of the surface, convective updrafts, or rapid mixing in turbulent flows can generate rotating cores. The presence of dense particulate matter can modify density and drag within the vortex, supporting short-lived, tightly wound circulation. Core sizes are typically in the centimeter-to-meter range, and visibility of the particles can make the vortex appear as a localized haze or fan of dispersed matter.

Observation and measurement

Detection relies on visual observation, video recording, and remote sensing. Ground-based cameras, drones, and lidar or Doppler radar can capture velocity fields and particle concentrations. In-situ sampling devices measure aerosol mass, size distribution, and chemical composition to assess how particles influence flow properties.

Context and research status

Partikelytornas are discussed as a specialized phenomenon within studies of particle-laden flows, dust entrainment, and smoke dynamics. They are not universally standardized as a distinct meteorological event like tornadoes or dust devils. Further empirical work is needed to establish clear definitions, occurrence conditions, and standardized measurement methods.

See also: dust devils, tornado, aerosol physics, aerosol plumes.