Microburst

A microburst is a very localized column of sinking air, producing damaging straight-line winds similar to, but distinguishable from tornadoes. The term was defined by severe weather expert Tetsuya Theodore Fujita as affecting an area four kilometers in diameter or less, distinguishing them from downbursts, which can encompass greater areas. They also can be powered from the high speed winds of the Jet stream. Microbursts are recognized as generating wind speeds as high as 75 meters per second (168 miles per hour).

The scale of a microburst makes it a great danger to aircraft, particularly those which are taking off and landing. A number of fatal crashes have been attributed to microbursts in the vicinity of airports.

Delta Air Lines Flight 191

See also

• Air safety