Project G.L.E.N.
Keywords
Tornado, robotics, data-collection, EF-scale, drone, communications, radio
Presenter Abstract
Project G.L.E.N., formally known as “Refining Enhanced Fujita Wind Estimates via Unmanned Collection of In-Situ Tornadic Data Measurements,” is an ongoing initiative aimed at advancing tornado research through the development and deployment of an unmanned tornado probe. Through the Gale Level Environmental Navigator (G.L.E.N.) probe, a remote-controlled unit equipped with specialized meteorological sensors and innovative design features, we aim to collect real-time, onsite data from within tornadoes. This approach allows for direct measurement of internal atmospheric conditions such as wind speeds, pressure fluctuations, temperature, humidity, and other storm dynamics while removing human risk from tornado interception, significantly enhancing the safety of storm research. Additionally, while current tornado ratings rely heavily on post-storm damage surveys, which may not accurately reflect the full strength or behavior of a tornado, Project G.L.E.N. seeks to provide a more objective basis for tornado classification, bridging the gap between damage-based assessments and recorded metrics.
The project’s initial phase focuses on localized data collection to validate sensor performance, refine instrumentation methods, and optimize probe design. Collected data from our final, revised design will be analyzed for statistically significant trends, providing the empirical foundation for potential enhancements to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.
Presentations
Presented in Session 4: New Observations I
Project G.L.E.N.
Project G.L.E.N., formally known as “Refining Enhanced Fujita Wind Estimates via Unmanned Collection of In-Situ Tornadic Data Measurements,” is an ongoing initiative aimed at advancing tornado research through the development and deployment of an unmanned tornado probe. Through the Gale Level Environmental Navigator (G.L.E.N.) probe, a remote-controlled unit equipped with specialized meteorological sensors and innovative design features, we aim to collect real-time, onsite data from within tornadoes. This approach allows for direct measurement of internal atmospheric conditions such as wind speeds, pressure fluctuations, temperature, humidity, and other storm dynamics while removing human risk from tornado interception, significantly enhancing the safety of storm research. Additionally, while current tornado ratings rely heavily on post-storm damage surveys, which may not accurately reflect the full strength or behavior of a tornado, Project G.L.E.N. seeks to provide a more objective basis for tornado classification, bridging the gap between damage-based assessments and recorded metrics.
The project’s initial phase focuses on localized data collection to validate sensor performance, refine instrumentation methods, and optimize probe design. Collected data from our final, revised design will be analyzed for statistically significant trends, providing the empirical foundation for potential enhancements to the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.