Microburst is a weather phenomenon, characterized by a sudden, powerful downward flow of air, that can cause severe damage, specifically to aircrafts. This term is pronounced /ˈmaɪkroʊˌbɜːrst/ or "MY-kroh-burst" in IPA phonetics. The first syllable is "MY" pronounced as in "myth", the second syllable is "kroh" pronounced as in "crow", and the third syllable is "burst" pronounced as in "burst". The spelling reflects the word’s meaning, denoting a small or micro burst of wind that can potentially cause significant damage.
Microburst is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a sudden and intense localized downdraft of air, often occurring during a thunderstorm. It is a microscale weather event that lasts for a short duration, typically lasting for less than five minutes.
During a microburst, a column of air rapidly descends from the base of a cumulonimbus cloud and reaches the ground with tremendous force. These downdrafts are caused by the interaction of cool, negative-charged air with rain-cooled air within the storm cloud. This causes the air to become denser and sink rapidly towards the ground. As the column of sinking air nears the surface, it spreads horizontally in all directions, resulting in strong, localized winds.
Microbursts are known for their intense wind gusts that can reach speeds higher than 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). These winds can cause significant damage to buildings, trees, and other structures in the affected area. The strong winds associated with microbursts are usually accompanied by heavy rain and lightning, making them particularly dangerous for aviation, as they can create hazardous conditions for aircraft taking off or landing.
Due to their brief duration and limited size, microbursts can be difficult to detect and forecast accurately. However, advanced weather radar systems have been developed to identify and track microbursts, improving aviation safety by providing timely warnings to pilots and air traffic controllers.
The word "microburst" is a combination of two words: "micro" and "burst".
- "Micro" comes from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small or minute.
- "Burst" derives from the Old English word "berstan", meaning to burst or break open.
Therefore, the word "microburst" literally means a small burst or explosion. In the context of weather and meteorology, it specifically refers to a localized and powerful downdraft of air in a thunderstorm, resulting in strong and severe winds at the surface.