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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Mesoscale convective systems over the Amazon basin. Part I: climatological aspects

Full text
Author(s):
Rehbein, Amanda [1] ; Ambrizzi, Tercio [1] ; Mechoso, Carlos Roberto [2]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Astron Geophys & Atmospher Sci, Rua Matao 1226, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Calif UCLA, Dept Atmospher & Ocean Sci, Los Angeles, CA - USA
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY; v. 38, n. 1, p. 215-229, JAN 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the Amazon basin provide a large contribution to regional precipitation, which strongly influences the maintenance of unique ecosystems. Despite the importance of these MCSs, their characteristics are not well described in the literature. The present study uses a 14-year long (2000-2013) data set of high-resolution (4km; 30min) infrared satellite images to compile a climatology of MCSs that during the period of analysis were within the borders of the Amazon basin at some point in their lifespan. MCSs that originated over the continent and the ocean are considered separately. It is found that on average about 7200 continental and 50 oceanic MCSs occurred per year in the Amazon basin. The majority (minority) of continental (oceanic) MCSs completed their lifecycles between 3 and 5.5h. These MCSs are studied separately from those with lifespan longer than 6h. Continental and oceanic MCSs over the Amazon occurred primarily during austral summer and autumn-winter, respectively. The preferred regions and time for genesis of continental and oceanic MCSs are identified. The average area, propagation speed and direction of displacement for MCSs in the different stages of their lifecycle are also examined. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 16/10557-0 - Mesoscale convective systems over the Amazon basin: present climate and future climate change scenarios
Grantee:Amanda Rehbein
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 13/50521-7 - Multi-scale processes driving tropical convection and influence of the aerosol
Grantee:Tercio Ambrizzi
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Regular Grants