Imagine Earth was hit hard by some force so devastating that Earth now has an axial tilt of 90.0 degrees, a far cry from the usual 23.5 degree. The same force somehow eliminates the Moon. In my story, Earth now obliquity oscillates between 89 to 91 degrees and will remain so for another 13000 baktun cycle of the Maya Long Count calendar. With the tides and seasons out of the way, I am wondering: could tornados still form? If so, what mechanism would drive such vortices?
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4$\begingroup$ What makes you believe that there is a link between seasons and tides on one hand and tornado formation on the other? $\endgroup$– AlexPCommented Mar 14, 2020 at 14:16
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$\begingroup$ This needs an edit; it is unreadable. Also, a planet's tilt does not directly affect tornadoes. Finally, this isn't worldbuilding; please put it somewhere else. $\endgroup$– In Hoc SignoCommented Mar 14, 2020 at 17:49
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2$\begingroup$ @SEistoopoliticallycorrect Other than the weird choice of using the Mayan calendar, I'd say the question is fairly clear. It seems to be based on a false assumption about tornadoes, but it's entirely readable. $\endgroup$– Misha RCommented Mar 14, 2020 at 18:00
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1$\begingroup$ I agree with @MishaR , this is perfectly on-topic. We are designing / explaining the weather patterns for a clearly defined world. It also seems like the OP might be drawing a link between the Coriolis Effect and the existence of tornadoes which seems like a clear idea for readers to address / debunk. $\endgroup$– ZxyrraCommented Mar 14, 2020 at 19:17
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$\begingroup$ @MishaR Definitely on topic. Still needed editing. These things are not mutually exclusive. $\endgroup$– SRMCommented Mar 15, 2020 at 14:42
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1 Answer
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A planet's tilt is not directly linked with tornado formation.
More important factors include things like the overall energy of the storm and pressure dynamics.
Due to the proximity to the sun and the abundance of water, this skewampus version of earth will still have weather. This includes tornadoes. (It will likely not be the current weather patterns, though!)
answered Mar 14, 2020 at 17:34
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$\begingroup$ And yes, an earth that isn't tilted is skewampus! $\endgroup$ Commented Mar 14, 2020 at 22:00
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$\begingroup$ Bonus points for use of word ”skewampus”! $\endgroup$– SRMCommented Mar 15, 2020 at 14:43