Microbursts
Microbursts
Microbursts are a localized column of sinking air within a thunderstorm and are divided into different types. Dry microbursts contain no moisture, while wet microbursts contain moisture (US Department of Commerce, 2016). The formation of microbursts are due to the weakening updrafts within a thunderstorm and increased strength of sinking air. There are many factors that contribute to the sinking column of air gaining strength; the result is the core of the column plummets to the ground, dispersing its force in all directions on the surface (US Department of Commerce, 2016). A common misconception is that a microburst is not as strong as a tornado, when in fact, the winds from a microburst can exceed 100 mph and cause significant damage to structures (US Department of Commerce, 2016).
Microbursts have a significant effect on aviation due to their dangerous nature and relative unpredictability (US Department of Commerce, 2016). An aircraft flying into a microburst will be subject to significant amounts of airspeed changes throughout the entry and departure of a microburst (CFI Notebook, n.d.). This makes approaches and departures more dangerous. Predicting microbursts are another cause for concern for pilots. The NOAA uses a MARC signature to detect the presence of a microburst. However, microbursts can last between 5-15 minutes, which means a microburst event can happen between radar scans, which means radar scans have limitations (CFI Notebook, n.d.; US Department of Commerce, 2016). Forecasting microbursts typically occur 6-12 hours in advance, and consists of observing different parts of the atmosphere for moisture, instability, winds aloft, and dry air in mid-levels (US Department of Commerce, 2016). However, even when these conditions exist, there is no guarantee a microburst is imminent.
References
Home. CFI Notebook: "Higher" Education. https://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/weather-and-atmosphere/microbursts.
US Department of Commerce, N. O. A. A. (2016, September 21). What is a Microburst? https://www.weather.gov/bmx/outreach_microbursts.
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