Numerical Simulations of an Isolated Microburst. Part II: Sensitivity Experiments

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Abstract
Isolated and stationary microburst are simulated using a time-dependent, high-resolution, axisymmetric numerical model. A microburst downdraft is initiated by specifying a distribution of precipitation at the top boundary of the model and allowing it to fall into the domain. Part II of this series examines numerous experiments in order to evaluate the sensitivity of microbursts to the environment and other factors. The model experiments provide valuable insight into the characteristics of microbursts. Specifically, the numerical simulations indicate that microburst intensity is sensitive to 1) the vertical distribution of ambient temperature and humidity, 2) the horizontal width of either the precipitation shaft or downdraft, 3) the magnitude of the precipitation loading, 4) the type of precipitation (i.e., rain, hail, graupel, or snow), and 5) the duration of the precipitation. The environmental conditions were found to be extremely important and the horizontal scale of the precipitation shaft p... Abstract Isolated and stationary microburst are simulated using a time-dependent, high-resolution, axisymmetric numerical model. A microburst downdraft is initiated by specifying a distribution of precipitation at the top boundary of the model and allowing it to fall into the domain. Part II of this series examines numerous experiments in order to evaluate the sensitivity of microbursts to the environment and other factors. The model experiments provide valuable insight into the characteristics of microbursts. Specifically, the numerical simulations indicate that microburst intensity is sensitive to 1) the vertical distribution of ambient temperature and humidity, 2) the horizontal width of either the precipitation shaft or downdraft, 3) the magnitude of the precipitation loading, 4) the type of precipitation (i.e., rain, hail, graupel, or snow), and 5) the duration of the precipitation. The environmental conditions were found to be extremely important and the horizontal scale of the precipitation shaft p...

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