Role of the Orography in Observed Convective Precipitating Systems in the Northern Andes Ranges of Colombia

The Tropical Andes is a critical region for the generation of convective precipitating systems. Due the complexity of the orography in northern South America and the nature of the tropical processes, the way in which some local orographic features interacts with precipitating convective clouds is partially unknown. Radar and satellite data have shown a high occurrence of intense convective storms in the foothills of the colombian central and eastern ranges, in the northernmost zone of Andes range. This region is characterized by a complex terrain, exhibits significant rain accumulations, and a strong diurnal cycle with a marked nocturnal rainfall maximum in particular locations. This work aims to provide a better understanding of the relation between the orography of the region and the deep convection observed, as the mechanisms the orography influences the local convection remains with uncertainties. Some cases exhibiting convective precipitating systems were selected and characterized using GOES satellite and C-band doppler radar data. High-resolution Weather Research and Forecasting model simulations of the storms were performed in order to get detailed information of the dynamical interaction of precipitating systems with the orography, so does to analyze the state of different thermodynamic variables. For the convective storms considered in this study, the orography was found to be a determinant factor influencing the intensification of convection and location of most active zones.