What type of microbursts would you expect?
(Select the best answer.)
a) Wet
b) Dry
The correct answer is b) Dry microbursts. Although a shallow moist layer occurs near the surface,
we expect this to mix out, resulting in a very dry lower troposphere.
A dry layer at low levels, combined with a moist layer at mid-levels, yields a classical inverted-V or dry microburst sounding.
High-based convection will result in precipitation that evaporates before reaching the surface (virga).
Evaporatively-cooled, negatively-buoyant air will accelerate downward
as a strong downdraft or dry microburst.