Examination of Microburst Development in Colorado Thunderstorm for the 5 August 1982 Case
Abstract
Dual-doppler radar data were collected near Denver, CO during the summer of 1982 to study the phenomenon of microbursts within the boundary layer. Horizontal and vertical fields of reflectivity, vertical velocity, perturbation temperature and pressure are obtained from the radar data to assist in this microburst study. Three time periods on 5 August are used to detail the chronological development of microbursts: 1845, 1847, and 1850 MDT. The fields of perturbation pressure and temperature are derived from the 3-dimensional wind field using a thermodynamic retrieval method based on the momentum equations. Inclusions of local time tendency terms in the momentum equations will increase resolution of these fields. During the 1845-1850 window, there are two microbursts, and one downdraft whose outflow does not extend to the surface. The two microbursts are in close proximity to each other, so the outflow from one results in upward vertical motion that helps lift surface moisture to condense at upper levels and help sustain the downdraft intensity via precipitation loading.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA218478
Entities
People
- William E. Mcnamee
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology