Microbursts differ from tornadoes

Monday, March 12, 2007

Microbursts in Kansas are as common as tornadoes but aren’t normally as powerful as Lawrence’s microburst last year, Donna Tucker, associate professor of atmospheric science, said.

“Most microbursts are of the weaker variety,” Tucker said. “One of the stronger variety is less common.”

A tornado, which has circular-spinning winds, forms in the updraft of a thunderstorm, whereas a microburst, formed in a thunderstorm’s downdraft, is a localized column of air with winds speeding downward to the ground, she said.

“It hits the earth’s surface and goes splat,” Tucker said.

When the splat occurs, winds are forced to blow outward, sometimes causing significant damage, she said. Microbursts typically last two to four minutes.

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