Atmosphere dynamics and thermodynamics associated to mesoscale convective systems over the Amazon basin using observational and cloud-resolving model simulations

• Grant number: 22/05622-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• Start date: August 01, 2022
• End date: July 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Geosciences - Meteorology
• Principal Investigator: Tercio Ambrizzi
• Grantee: Amanda Rehbein
• Supervisor: Andreas Prein
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/07992-5 - Impact of climate change on Mesoscale Convective Systems over the Amazon basin, BP.PD

Abstract

To understand the impact of climate change on mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), we need to understand how the environment where they are generated influences them. That is, it is crucial to understand the dynamic and thermodynamic atmospheric patterns associated with the occurrence of MCSs in the present climate to advance the understanding of future climate conditions using climate change scenarios. In the Amazon basin, this type of investigation presents a great degree of difficulty, mainly due to the inhomogeneity and scarcity of observational data and the high variability of larger-scale systems and circulations. Besides, the Amazon basin has relatively constant convective instability and abundant convection at the same time at which MCSs occur. In addition to these factors, one can add the interaction of atmospheric variables with territorial physical elements, such as topography, river intermittence, vegetation, and constant and accelerated changes in land use, among others. The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) has a long history of research on MCSs and investigations of the dynamics and thermodynamics associated with the occurrence of mesoscale phenomena. The proposed project presents a valuable opportunity to make significant advancements in our understanding of convection in the Amazon basin and its evolving character under changing climate and land-surface conditions. (AU)