A caver studying satellite images of the Nullarbor Plain using Google Earth accidentally stumbled upon a massive scar stretching across the arid Australian landscape. It later turned out that this trail, 11 kilometers long and up to 250 meters wide, was left by a powerful tornado that occurred in November 2022, writes Live Science.
The scar was found 20 kilometers north of the Trans-Australian Railway and 90 kilometers from the ancient settlement of Forrest. Scientists, after studying photographs of this location for several years, determined that the tornado occurred between November 16 and 18, 2022. Satellite images showed the appearance of “cycloidal marks” characteristic of the suction vortices of the tornadoes, as well as puddles of water associated with heavy rain.
According to investigations, the tornado was classified as F2 or F3, with winds exceeding 200 km/h. Its trajectory went from west to east and the internal vortex moved clockwise. Scientists estimate that the tornado lasted 7 to 13 minutes, causing significant damage to soil and vegetation, but avoiding damage to populated areas.
Tornadoes in Australia are rare, but real
Although tornadoes are more common in the United States and Bangladesh, Australia is also prone to these events. The first documented tornado in the country was in 1795, but Western scientists did not recognize the existence of tornadoes in Australia until the late 19th century.
This case highlights the importance of modern technologies, such as satellite images, to study weather phenomena and their consequences. The unique “scar” left on the landscape was a rare example of a natural force leaving its mark on the Earth without causing significant harm to people.
The scar remains visible even after 18 months, a reminder of the power of nature and the need to study rare but destructive phenomena in order to prepare for their possible recurrence.
Previously, scientists reported new data about the second Moon, “revealing” another satellite of the Earth.
