Infrasonic Disturbances in the Ionosphere from Severe Thunderstorms

In the spring and summer of 1970, a network of spaced Doppler sounders was operated in Oklahoma. Several ionospheric wavelike disturbances (period 3–5 min) were observed associated with severe weather such as the Oklahoma City tornado of 29–30 April 1970. From the three‐dimensional propagation vector in the ionosphere the acoustic wave is traced back to its source using a model atmosphere. In conjunction with radar weather data it is possible to locate the thunderstorm which is the likely source. Spectral analysis of the disturbances reveal peaks of energy near 3.5 and 4.5 min.