Weather
Which statement best describes a microburst?
Answer
An intense, localized downdraft from a convective cell that spreads out at the surface, producing severe wind shear over a small area for a short time
A microburst is a concentrated convective downdraft whose outflow produces violent, short-lived wind shear near the surface over a small area — enough to slam a low-flying aircraft down. Choice B describes broad, gentle subsidence in a high, a fair-weather feature. Choice C is wrong because a tornado is rotating air, and a vortex not reaching the ground is a funnel cloud — neither is a downdraft. Choice D is wrong because lightning produces thunder, not a damaging surface wind field.
Source: AC 00-6B Ch. 19 (downbursts and microbursts)
Not the answer
- A pressure wave radiating outward from a lightning strike
- A weak, wide area of gently sinking air beneath a high-pressure system
- A small tornado that never reaches the ground
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