12.6
Variability and Mean States of rainfall in West Africa (1998-2000) as inferred from TRMM PR: Vertical Cross Sections
Gregory S. Jenkins, Penn State University, University Park, PA; and S. C. Walford
Unconditional, stratiform and convective monthly Rainfall rates as inferred by the TRMM PR during the rainy seasons (May-October) is presented for the 1998 through 2000 time periods. A comparison of TRMM unconditional JJA rainfall rates 1998 through 2000 to other satellite derived rainfall rates (TRMM merged, CMAP) will be made. In addition, we animate the vertical structure of rainfall (unconditional, stratiform and convective) along various north-south (15° W, 7.5° W, 0, 7.5° E, 15° E) and east-west (6° N, 8° N, 10° N) transects in West Africa. We believe that this type of analysis provides additional understanding to the conceptual depiction of the West African monsoon trough suggested numerous decades ago. It can also aid in understanding inter-seasonal and inter-annual variability in West Africa. Finally the TRMM data provides a means for examining rainfall processes in global climate models (GCMs).
Session 12, Precipitation Analysis: Satellite and Surface (Parallel with Sessions 10 & 11)
Wednesday, 17 January 2001, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM
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