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Infrasound generation by tornadic supercell storms

Acoustic wave generation by turbulence in the stratified, moist atmosphere is studied. It is shown that in the saturated moist air turbulence in addition to the Lighthill's quadrupole and the dipole sources of sound related to stratification and temperature fluctuations, there exist monopole sources related to heat and mass production during the condensation of moisture. We determine acoustic power of these monopole sources. Performed analysis shows that the monopole radiation is dominant for typical parameters of strong convective storms. Obtained results are in good qualitative agreement with the main observed characteristics of infrasound radiation by strong convective storms such as total acoustic power and characteristic frequency.