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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.)

Amazonian mesoscale convective systems: Life cycle and propagation characteristics

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Author(s):
Anselmo, Evandro M. [1, 2] ; Machado, Luiz A. T. [2, 3] ; Schumacher, Courtney [1] ; Kiladis, George N. [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Texas A&M Univ, Dept Atmospher Sci, College Stn, TX 77843 - USA
[2] Natl Inst Space Res, BR-12227010 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil
[3] Max Planck Inst Chem, Dept Multiphase Chem, D-55128 Mainz - Germany
[4] NOAA, Phys Sci Lab, Boulder, CO 80305 - USA
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY; v. 41, n. 7, p. 3968-3981, JUN 15 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Convective system tracking was performed using 30-min GOES-13 infrared imagery over the Amazon region during 2014 and 2015. A total of 116,701 convective systems were identified and statistics on the probability of occurrence of track area, lifetime, and system velocity were analysed. Maps of the total and seasonal geographic density of trajectories and the geographic density of clusters at genesis, during propagation, and at dissipation were also assessed. The mean area and lifetime of the tracked systems was 4 x 10(4) km(2) and 3 hr, respectively. The top 10% largest systems had areas >8 x 10(4) km(2) and the top 10% longest lived systems lasted >7 hr. The geographical distribution of clusters identified on the coast and within the Amazon basin varied seasonally and their life cycle tracking showed that they are typically distinct from one another (i.e., it is relatively rare for systems to start at the coast and propagate 1,500 km to the centre of the basin). Although the average system velocity indicated a predominantly westward motion, a large spread in the direction of propagation was found. In particular, the probability of a meridional component of motion was generally the same for northward or southward directions and 35% of the zonal propagation was associated with eastward movement. The presence of Kelvin waves accounted for some of the eastward system motion, in addition to increasing the area and lifetime of storms compared to when Kelvin waves were not present. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 15/14497-0 - Nowcasting of intense thunderstorms and understanding of the physical processes inside clouds: the SOS-CHUVA (Severe Weather Observation System)
Grantee:Luiz Augusto Toledo Machado
Support Opportunities: Research Program on Global Climate Change - Thematic Grants