JP3.50
Characterization of the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) during NAMMA 2006 DC-8 Flight Missions
Tamara L. Battle, Howard Univ., Washington, DC; and G. Jenkins
Several studies have attempted to characterize the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) and its effects on the West African Monsoon and tropical cyclogenesis; however, a comprehensive study of direct in-situ measurements of the SAL have been little to none. As part of the NASA-African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (NAMMA) project in August-September 2006, the DC-8 aircraft flew 13 missions and obtained a number of in-situ and remotely sensed measurements during several SAL outbreaks. Analysis of SAL Split-Window imagery and MODIS products will be used to identify SAL outbreaks between 15 Aug-30 September 2006. In-situ aerosol measurements (dropsondes) from the aircraft will be used to characterize the thermodynamic conditions of the SAL and the vertical and horizontal distributions of aerosols associated with the SAL at locations close to the continent and at more distant locations over the eastern/central Atlantic Ocean. The Lidar measurements will yield important information in reference to the vertical distribution of water vapor and dust particles in the atmospheric column. Preliminary analyses and results will be presented at the meeting.
Joint Poster Session 3, Tropical Cyclones and Climate Change Poster Session
Monday, 21 January 2008, 2:30 PM-4:00 PM, Exhibit Hall B
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