| The kinematic, dynamic and thermodynamic features of a simple and a complex microburst event were calculated, and comparisons were made in order to find common and unique structural features that might lead to greater insight into the physical mechanisms responsible for microburst development. Dual-Doppler radar data from CP-3 and CP-4, collected near Denver, Colorado, during the Joint Airport Weather Studies (JAWS) project were judiciously edited, gridded and kinematically integrated upward from the surface, to produce a three-dimensional wind field. The retrieved pressure field from the three-dimensional wind field was used to compute a relative "goodness of fit" of the mass field to the momentum field. The perturbation temperature and thermodynamic variables were used to compute the momentum budgets and field was derived from the buoyancy equation, using the derived wind and pressure fields. The complete set of Doppler derived winds and thermodynamic variables were used to compute budgets of the momentum flux and the eddy kinetic energy within the microburst domain, to allow for a more definitive interpretation of the results.; The results from this study reveal some basic similarities, along with some notable differences in structure. Both cases reveal a downward flux of mass, momentum, and eddying energy within the microburst; the boundary layer above 0.75 km is the source of the mass and momentum; an intermediate level near 0.75 km acts as a conduit for the downward flux; and the surface layer below 0.75 km that comprises the divergent flow enclosed in the microburst. The microburst also included a high reflectivity core at the center. The complex case contains a misocyclone above 0.75 km. The misocyclone will hereafter refer to the cyclonic circulation above the surface microburst. The role played by hail was more significant to the microburst's development. The most significant result of this study was that a combination of physical mechanisms, including evaporative cooling, precipitation drag, downward momentum and eddy kinetic energy flux and hail melt, were responsible for maintaining the microburst, during its mature stage. The degree to which any particular mechanism plays a role in the microburst is dependent on the synoptic scale dynamic and thermodynamic structures. |
