An analysis of the interaction between the SAL and convective systems during the NAMMA 2006 field campaign and possible linkage to tropical cyclogenesis

During the NASA African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) of 2006, several flights were made into convective system that interacted with the Saharan Air Layer. Some of these systems later developed into tropical cyclones (TS Debby, TD 8) Ground-based and aircraft measurements will be utilized in characterizing the SAL interaction with these convective systems. Preliminary modeling results based on purported effects of the dust on cloud microphysics will also be presented.