Study of Microburst Detection Performance during 1985 in Memphis, Tennessee

摘要

This report focuses on the detectability of microbursts using pulse Doppler weather radars and surface anemometers. The data used for this study were collected in the Memphis, TN area during the FLOWS (FAA/Lincoln Laboratory Observational Weather Studies) project of 1985. The methods used for declaring a microburst from both Doppler radar and surface anemometer data are described. The main objective of this report was to identify the results that were generated by comparing the 1985 radar detected microbursts (which impacted the surface anemometer system) with the surface mesonet detected microbursts. In so doing, the issue of missed microburst detections, for which there occurred two (both by the radar), is identified. Possible reasons as to why these two microbursts were not detected are discussed in detail. Keywords: Low level wind shear; Microburst; Doppler weather radar; Surface anemometers; Microburst outflow detection algorithm; Radar/mesonet comparison; Missed detections.