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After observing an unusual shape on Google Earth, a man identified the trail of a tornado that went unnoticed by meteorological authorities, revealing the strength of the phenomenon.
In November 2022, a tornado silently crossed the arid Nullarbor Plain in South Australia, leaving a 11-kilometer scar on the ground. Despite its destructive power, the event went unnoticed until images of the Google Earth revealed the enigma.
Tornadoes, known for their devastating force, are generally associated with populated areas, where their impact is obvious and immediate.
However, when they occur in uninhabited lands, their marks can go unnoticed. That's exactly what happened in the remote Nullarbor Plain, a vast, dry, treeless region that spans the states of South and Western Australia.
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The discovery began unusually. An enthusiast was analyzing satellite images on Google Earth in search of caves, but came across something unexpected: a long, winding mark in the landscape.
The line, which ran east to west, formed a deep “V” at one point, resembling a child’s drawing of a seagull. Intrigued, he found the discovery, which quickly reached researchers at Curtin University in Perth.
Screenshot, Google Earth
Technology reveals the hidden power of nature
Using historical weather data and images, a research team led by Matej Lipar determined that the scar was the result of a powerful tornado. The occurrences occurred between November 16 and 18, 2022, during the passage of a low pressure system and a cold front, conditions conducive to severe storms.
In addition to the satellite images, the scientists visited the site. The scar remains visible even after 18 months, with a width of between 160 and 250 meters. Intriguing details, such as cycloidal marks – small dark loops formed by the tornado's suction vortices – reinforced the conclusion.
Based on their observations, the team estimated that the tornado reached speeds of over 200 km/h and was rated between F2 and F3 on the Fujita scale, a significant level of intensity. The event, which would have lasted for 7 to 13 minutes, moved across the arid landscape in a clockwise direction.
Matej Lipar,
Journal of Southern Hemisphere Earth Systems Science , 2024
Scientific debate and estimation challenges
While the data is impressive, not all experts agree on the accuracy of the estimates. John Allen, a meteorologist at Central Michigan University, noted that tornadoes of this intensity are rare in Australia and are usually associated with long-lasting storms. Despite this, he emphasized that the cycloidal markings indicate the passage of a tornado.
The lack of witnesses and material damage makes the features particularly difficult to study. Still, the discovery highlights the growing usefulness of technologies like satellite imagery in identifying and understanding extreme weather events, especially in remote regions.
Unpredictable nature and a lesson for the future
Beyond its scientific value, the study is a reminder of the unpredictable force of nature. “Extreme weather can occur anywhere, at any time,” Lipar wrote in an article for the The Conversation . The use of satellites not only allows tracking of specific isolated events, but also helps meteorologists improve forecasting and preparation for severe events.
The scarring of the Nullarbor Plain, now recognized as a tornado scar, not only reveals the power of nature, but also the importance of technology in unlocking it. Even in the silence of an uninhabited landscape, the Earth records the stories that science can tell.
