Micrometeorological Observations of a Microburst in Southern Finland

• Published in: Boundary - layer meteorology 2007-11, Vol.125 (2), p.343-359
• Main Authors: Järvi, Leena, Punkka, Ari-Juhani, Schultz, David M, Petäjä, Tuukka, Hohti, Harri, Rinne, Janne, Pohja, Toivo, Kulmala, Markku, Hari, Pertti, Vesala, Timo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerosol particles; Air flow; Atmospheric boundary layer; Boundary layers; Canopies; Carbon dioxide; Convection, turbulence, diffusion. Boundary layer structure and dynamics; Convective storm; Earth, ocean, space; Environmental modeling; Exact sciences and technology; External geophysics; Meteorology; Microburst; Micrometeorology; Rain; Storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, thunderstorms; Trace gases; Turbulence; Weather forecasting; Wind speed
• ISSN: 0006-8314; 1573-1472
• DOI: 10.1007/s10546-007-9204-7

On the afternoon of 3 July 2004 in Hyytiälä (Juupajoki, Finland), convective cells produced a strong downburst causing forest damage. The SMEAR II field station, situated near the damage site, enabled a unique micrometeorological analysis of a microburst with differences above and inside the canopy. At the time of the event, a squall line associated with a cold front was crossing Hyytiälä with a reflectivity maximum in the middle of the squall line. A bow echo, rear-inflow notch, and probable mesovortex were observed in radar data. The bow echo moved west-north-west, and its apex travelled just north of Hyytiälä. The turbulence data were analysed at two locations above the forest canopy and at one location at sub-canopy. At 1412 EET (Eastern European Time, UTC+2), the horizontal and vertical wind speed increased and the wind veered, reflecting the arrival of a gust front. At the same time, the carbon dioxide concentration increased due to turbulent mixing, the temperature decreased due to cold air flow from aloft and aerosol particle concentration decreased due to rain scavenging. An increase in the number concentration of ultra-fine particles (< 10 nm) was detected, supporting the new particle formation either from cloud outflow or due to rain. Five minutes after the gust front (1417 EET), strong horizontal and downward vertical wind speed gusts occurred with maxima of 22 and 15 m s-¹, respectively, reflecting the microburst. The turbulence spectra before, during and after the event were consistent with traditional turbulence spectral theory.