5B.3
The tropical vertical structure of clouds and precipitation as observed by radar
Paquita Zuidema, CIRES/NOAA/ETL, Boulder, CO; and J. Lin and C. Fairall
The vertical structure of clouds and precipitation in the Tropics, as perceived by cloud and precipitation radars (8.66-mm K-band and 5.4 cm C-band, respectively) is evaluated. The data originates from several oceanic field experiments held within convective regimes, but at different tropical locations: 10N, 95W (Eastern Pacific Investigation of Climate, Oct 2001), the Bay of Bengal (Joint Air-Sea Monsoon Interaction Experiment, May 1999), 5N-15N at 95W and 110W (Pan-American Climate Studies, 7 days Oct-Nov 2000, cloud radar only), and 125W, 6-8N (Tropical Eastern Pacific Process Study, August 1997, precip radar only). The relationship of the cloud-radar-perceived vertical structure to levels of enhanced stability and high wind shear as derived from sounding data will be explored, as well as to the divergence profile inferred from the precipitation radar data, and to surface-based measurements of rainfall. A buoyancy-sorting model (Raymond and Blyth, 1992) will be utilized to examine a connection of the cloudiness vertical distribution to preferred levels for convective outflow. .
Session 5B, CONVECTION, waves, and precipitation III
Tuesday, 4 May 2004, 8:00 AM-9:30 AM, Napoleon I Room
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