Investigation of the island effect on mixed layer top and transition layer top elevations using Bragg Scattering Layer (BSL) analysis of clear-air S-Pol radar retrievals at the Gan site during CINDY2011/DYNAMO/AMIE

When making island-based measurements that are intended to be representative of an open-ocean environment, it is important to consider potential island induced biases. Of particular import for the CINDY2011/DYNAMO/AMIE joint field campaign is understanding how and to what degree key structural features of the atmosphere were affected by island induced biases, and under what conditions these biases were most significant. In order to assess potential island effects, mixed layer top and transition layer top elevations were determined as a function of azimuth via Bragg scattering layer (BSL) analysis of S-band data from NCAR's S-Pol radar which was located at the Gan site. Mean mixed layer top and transition layer top elevations were calculated over a moving average window (30º azimuthal swath) for each PPI scan between 5 and 9° elevation angle in order to track the direction (relative to the radar) and vertical extent of any systematic asymmetries in mixed layer top and transition layer top elevations as functions of time of day, wind speed, and wind direction. Results will be presented.