Simviation Forums

I would like to know what a microburst is?

Hi,

If your question is referred to the weather world... here I am.

A microburst is a very localized downdraft from a cumulonimbus cloud, usually during a strong thunderstorm. The microburst can be very strong, and bring a descending air current with heavy or very heavy rain and hail. It can be so strong that some people often called for it as a "tornado".

The common downdraft usually is spread and mild compared to the microburst, and not so "sudden".

Useless to say that for aviation they are a big enemy...

Sorry for my poor english,
Simone

It may sound like a stupid question Awash, but have you ever had the opportunity to swim near a waterfall? Or stand next to one? Even a small waterfall(3feet/1M)will produce an enormous amount of air flow.
During the MATURE stage of a thunderstorm, the water that falls through the center of the cumulous cloud(anywhere from 20-60,000 feet), pushes an enormous amount of air in front of itself. Even if the water doesn't reach the ground(updrafts can carry water back to the top of the cloud), the cooled air falls at an incredible rate. This process creates a narrow column of air, that hits the ground and dissipates like an inverted mushroom cloud. To fly through a down draft at altitude means moderate to severe turbulence. If you are closer to the ground, crashing may become a big reality. Obviously being directly beneath the downdraft is a no-brainer(think giant fly swatter meets small aircraft). The OUTFLOW can be just as lethal. Flying towards a M/B (into the outflow)means an airspeed increase and a GROUNDSPEED decrease. Next, if you make it through the center without the flyswatter taking you down(away from the outflow), you are now faced with a low ground speed and a strong tailwind. Imagine being in a car, in fifth gear, trying to go uphill, at 10 miles per hour.  :o

I have stood next to a waterfall and man was it COLD