Description of a New Phenomenon of Atmospheric Hazard

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of 'toroh,' a new atmospheric phenomenon characterized by intense, localized precipitation causing erosion, inspired by regional indigenous terms and distinguished from similar extreme weather events.

Contribution

It proposes a novel conceptual model for toroh formation, highlighting indigenous knowledge and clarifying its distinction from other phenomena like waterspouts and rainstorms.

Findings

Toroh causes straight scars on mountain slopes.

It is stronger and more localized than cloudbursts.

The term 'toroh' is rooted in indigenous language and culture.

Abstract

This article introduces a newly hypothesized atmospheric phenomenon called toroh, inspired by the Brazilian regional phenomenon known as tromba de agua. The existence of the toroh, also suggested to be termed toroh, is characterized by intense and localized precipitation that causes water erosion, leaving straight scars on mountain slopes. The term originates from the Tupi-Guarani language meaning rainfall like a water jet. Guarani uses sounds to imitate natural phenomena, capturing distinct noises: one when water cuts through the air and another when it hits the ground. The toroh differs from cloudbursts and rainstorms, referring to other extreme precipitation events, as it is stronger and more localized. A conceptual model has been proposed, suggesting that a toroh occurs when a supercell passes over a rift, which intensifies the liquid micro-explosion and leads to the formation of a river within the atmosphere. Previously, meteorological observers in Southern Brazil used the term Tromba de agua for the same phenomenon. However, this term also referred to waterspouts in official Brazilian meteorology, leading to confusion. Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of indigenous contributions i n naming and understanding natural phenomena, which are often overlooked by Western science.