Mikroburstok

Mikroburstok is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by a localized, intense downdraft from a thunderstorm that, upon reaching the ground, spreads out in all directions. These microbursts are typically less than 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) in diameter and can produce damaging winds of up to 100 mph or more, comparable to those found in weak tornadoes. However, unlike tornadoes, the winds in a microburst are divergent, spreading outwards from the point of impact.

The formation of a microburst is tied to the process of evaporative cooling and precipitation loading within a thunderstorm. Rain or hail falling from the cloud cools the air through evaporation. This cooler, denser air accelerates downwards, creating a powerful downdraft. If this downdraft remains concentrated and doesn't spread out too much within the cloud, it can reach the surface as a microburst.

The primary hazard associated with microbursts is the extreme wind shear they create. This sudden change in wind speed and direction over a short distance poses a significant danger to aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing. Pilots can encounter a headwind, followed by a downdraft, and then a tailwind, leading to a rapid loss of airspeed and altitude. Because of this risk, Doppler radar systems are crucial in detecting microbursts and issuing warnings to aircraft. While often short-lived, typically lasting only a few minutes, their destructive potential can cause significant damage to structures and vegetation.