scholarly journals Mesoscale Convective Systems in Relation to African and Tropical Easterly Jets

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (9) ◽  
pp. 3224-3242 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Besson ◽  
Y. Lemaître
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
African Easterly Jet ◽  
Interaction Processes ◽  
Tropical Easterly Jet ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Jet Streaks

This paper documents the interaction processes between mesoscale convective systems (MCS), the tropical easterly jet (TEJ), and the African easterly jet (AEJ) over West Africa during the monsoon peak of 2006 observed during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) project. The results highlight the importance of the cloud system localization relative to the jets in order to explain their duration and life cycle. A systematical study reveals that intense and long-lived MCSs correspond to a particular pattern where clouds associated with deep convection are located in entrance regions of TEJ and in exit regions of AEJ. A case study on a particularly well-documented convective event characterizes this link and infers the importance of jet streaks in promoting areas of divergence, favoring the persistence of MCSs.

scholarly journals Comparison of lightning activity in the two most active areas of the Congo Basin

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 479-489
Author(s):  
Jean K. Kigotsi ◽  
Serge Soula ◽  
Jean-François Georgis
Keyword(s):  
Thunderstorm Activity ◽  
Lightning Activity ◽  
Congo Basin ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Flash Rate ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
African Easterly Jet ◽  
The World ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Strong Convection

Abstract. A comparison of the lightning activity in the two most active areas (Area_max for the main maximum and Area_sec for the secondary maximum) of the Congo Basin is made with data obtained by the World Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN) during 2012 and 2013. Both areas of same size (5°  ×  5°) exhibit flash counts in a ratio of about 1.32 for both years and very different distributions of the flash rate density (FRD) with maximums in a ratio of 1.94 and 2.59 for 2012 and 2013, respectively. The FRD is much more widely distributed in Area_sec, which means the whole area contributes more or less equal to the lightning activity. The diurnal cycle is much more pronounced in Area_max than in Area_sec with a ratio between the maximum and the minimum of 15.4 and 4.7, respectively. However, the minimum and maximum of the hourly flash rates are observed roughly at the same time in both areas, between 07:00 and 09:00 UTC and between 16:00 and 17:00 UTC, respectively. In Area_sec the proportion of days with low lightning rate (0–1000 flashes per day) is much larger (∼  45 % in 2013) compared to Area_max (∼  23 % in 2013). In Area_max the proportion of days with moderate lightning rate (1001–6000 flashes per day) is larger (∼  68.5 % in 2013) compared to Area_sec (∼  46 % in 2013). The very intense convective events are slightly more numerous in Area_sec. In summary, the thunderstorm activity in Area_sec is more variable at different scales of time (annually and daily), in intensity and in location. Area_max combines two favourable effects for thunderstorm development, the convergence associated with the African easterly jet of the Southern Hemisphere (AEJ-S) and a geographic effect due to the orography and the presence of a lake. The location of the strong convection in Area_sec is modulated by the distance of westward propagation/regeneration of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in relation to the phase of Kelvin waves.

Life cycle of mesoscale convective systems

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. M. Abdullaev ◽  
A. A. Zhelnin ◽  
O. Yu. Lenskaya
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

scholarly journals Environment Associated with Deep Moist Convection under SALLJ Conditions: A Case Study

2010 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 970-984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paloma Borque ◽  
Paola Salio ◽  
Matilde Nicolini ◽  
Yanina García Skabar
Keyword(s):  
Frontal Zone ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
South American ◽  
Moist Convection ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Low Level Jet ◽  
Deep Moist Convection

Abstract The present work focuses on the study of the environmental conditions preceding the development of a group of subtropical mesoscale convective systems over central and northern Argentina on 6–7 February 2003 during the South American Low Level Jet Experiment. This period was characterized by an extreme northerly low-level flow along the eastern Andes foothills [South American low-level jet (SALLJ)]. The entire studied episode was dominated by the presence of a very unstable air mass over northern Argentina and a frontal zone near 40°S. The SALLJ generated an important destabilization of the atmosphere due to the strong humidity and differential temperature advection. Orography provided an extra lifting motion to the configuration of the regional wind field, which was efficient in forcing the initiation of convection. Once convection developed, it moved and regenerated in regions where the convective instability was horizontally homogeneous and stronger.

scholarly journals Elucidating the Life Cycle of Warm-Season Mesoscale Convective Systems in Eastern China from the Himawari-8 Geostationary Satellite

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 2307
Author(s):  
Dandan Chen ◽  
Jianping Guo ◽  
Dan Yao ◽  
Zhe Feng ◽  
Yanluan Lin
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Northern China ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Geostationary Satellite ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

The life cycle of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in eastern China is yet to be fully understood, mainly due to the lack of observations of high spatio-temporal resolution and objective methods. Here, we quantitatively analyze the properties of warm-season (from April to September of 2016) MCSs during their lifetimes using the Himawari-8 geostationary satellite, combined with ground-based radars and gauge measurements. Generally, the occurrence of satellite derived MCSs has a noon peak over the land and an early morning peak over the ocean, which is several hours earlier than the precipitation peak. The developing and dissipative stages are significantly longer as total durations of MCSs increase. Aided by three-dimensional radar mosaics, we find the fraction of convective cores over northern China is much lower when compared with those in central United States, indicating that the precipitation produced by broad stratiform clouds may be more important for northern China. When there exists a large amount of stratiform precipitation, it releases a large amount of latent heat and promotes the large-scale circulations, which favors the maintenance of MCSs. These findings provide quantitative results about the life cycle of warm-season MCSs in eastern China based on multiple data sources and large numbers of samples.

scholarly journals Macrophysical, Microphysical, and Radiative Properties of Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems over Their Life Cycle

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (9) ◽  
pp. 3353-3371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominique Bouniol ◽  
Rémy Roca ◽  
Thomas Fiolleau ◽  
D. Emmanuel Poan
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Radiative Heating ◽  
Radiative Properties ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
Polar Orbiting Satellite ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are important drivers of the atmospheric large-scale circulation through their associated diabatic heating profile. Taking advantage of recent tracking techniques, this study investigates the evolution of macrophysical, microphysical, and radiative properties over the MCS life cycle by merging geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite data. These observations are performed in three major convective areas: continental West Africa, the adjacent Atlantic Ocean, and the open Indian Ocean. MCS properties are also investigated according to internal subregions (convective, stratiform, and nonprecipitating anvil). Continental MCSs show a specific life cycle, with more intense convection at the beginning. Larger and denser hydrometeors are thus found at higher altitudes, as well as up to the cirriform subregion. Oceanic MCSs have more constant reflectivity values, suggesting a less intense convective updraft, but more persistent intensity. A layer of small crystals is found in all subregions, but with a depth that varies according to the MCS subregion and life cycle. Radiative properties are also examined. It appears that the evolution of large and dense hydrometeors tends to control the evolution of the cloud albedo and the outgoing longwave radiation. The impact of dense hydrometeors, detrained from the convective towers, is also seen in the radiative heating profiles, in particular in the shortwave domain. A dipole of cooling near the cloud top and heating near the cloud base is found in the longwave; this cooling intensifies near the end of the life cycle.

scholarly journals A Simple Model of the Life Cycle of Mesoscale Convective Systems Cloud Shield in the Tropics

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 4283-4298 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Roca ◽  
T. Fiolleau ◽  
D. Bouniol
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Simple Model ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Boreal Summer ◽  
Maximum Extent ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Mesoscale Convective ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are important to the water and energy budget of the tropical climate and are essential ingredients of the tropical circulation. MCSs are readily observed in satellite infrared geostationary imagery as cloud clusters that evolve in time from small structures to well-organized large patches of cloud shield before dissipating. The MCS cloud shield is the result of a large ensemble of mesoscale dynamical, thermodynamical, and microphysical processes. This study shows that a simple parametric model can summarize the time evolution of the morphological characteristics of the cloud shield during the life cycle of the MCS. It consists of a growth–decay linear model of the cloud shield and is based on three parameters: the time of maximum extent, the maximum extent, and the duration of the MCS. It is shown that the time of maximum is frequently close to the middle of the life cycle and that the correlation between maximum extent and duration is strong all over the tropics. This suggests that 1 degree of freedom is left to summarize the life cycle of the MCS cloud shield. Such a model fits the observed MCS equally well, independent of the duration, size, location, and propagation characteristics, and its relevance is assessed for a large number of MCSs over three boreal summer periods over the whole tropical belt. The scaling of this simple model exhibits weak (strong) regional variability for the short- (long-) lived systems indicative of the primary importance of the internal dynamics of the systems to the large-scale environment for MCS sustainability.

scholarly journals Basis for a Rainfall Estimation Technique Using IR–VIS Cloud Classification and Parameters over the Life Cycle of Mesoscale Convective Systems

2008 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 1500-1517 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Delgado ◽  
Luiz A. T. Machado ◽  
Carlos F. Angelis ◽  
Marcus J. Bottino ◽  
Á. Redaño ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Empirical Relationship ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Rainfall Rate ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Rainfall Estimation ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Cloud Classification ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract This paper discusses the basis for a new rainfall estimation method using geostationary infrared and visible data. The precipitation radar on board the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite is used to train the algorithm presented (which is the basis of the estimation method) and the further intercomparison. The algorithm uses daily Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite infrared–visible (IR–VIS) cloud classifications together with radiative and evolution properties of clouds over the life cycle of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in different brightness temperature (Tb) ranges. Despite recognition of the importance of the relationship between the life cycle of MCSs and the rainfall rate they produce, this relationship has not previously been quantified precisely. An empirical relationship is found between the characteristics that describe the MCSs’ life cycle and the magnitude of rainfall rate they produce. Numerous earlier studies focus on this subject using cloud-patch or pixel-based techniques; this work combines the two techniques. The algorithm performs reasonably well in the case of convective systems and also for stratiform clouds, although it tends to overestimate rainfall rates. Despite only using satellite information to initialize the algorithm, satisfactory results were obtained relative to the hydroestimator technique, which in addition to the IR information uses extra satellite data such as moisture and orographic corrections. This shows that the use of IR–VIS cloud classification and MCS properties provides a robust basis for creating a future estimation method incorporating humidity Eta field outputs for a moisture correction, digital elevation models combined with low-level moisture advection for an orographic correction, and a nighttime cloud classification.

scholarly journals A high-resolution unified observational data product of mesoscale convective systems and isolated deep convection in the United States for 2004–2017

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 827-856
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Li ◽  
Zhe Feng ◽  
Yun Qian ◽  
L. Ruby Leung
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Rocky Mountains ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Data Product ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract. Deep convection possesses markedly distinct properties at different spatiotemporal scales. We present an original high-resolution (4 km, hourly) unified data product of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and isolated deep convection (IDC) in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and examine their climatological characteristics from 2004 to 2017. The data product is produced by applying an updated Flexible Object Tracker algorithm to hourly satellite brightness temperature, radar reflectivity, and precipitation datasets. Analysis of the data product shows that MCSs are much larger and longer-lasting than IDC, but IDC occurs about 100 times more frequently than MCSs, with a mean convective intensity comparable to that of MCSs. Hence both MCS and IDC are essential contributors to precipitation east of the Rocky Mountains, although their precipitation shows significantly different spatiotemporal characteristics. IDC precipitation concentrates in summer in the Southeast with a peak in the late afternoon, while MCS precipitation is significant in all seasons, especially for spring and summer in the Great Plains. The spatial distribution of MCS precipitation amounts varies by season, while diurnally, MCS precipitation generally peaks during nighttime except in the Southeast. Potential uncertainties and limitations of the data product are also discussed. The data product is useful for investigating the atmospheric environments and physical processes associated with different types of convective systems; quantifying the impacts of convection on hydrology, atmospheric chemistry, and severe weather events; and evaluating and improving the representation of convective processes in weather and climate models. The data product is available at https://doi.org/10.25584/1632005 (Li et al., 2020).

scholarly journals A high-resolution unified observational data product of mesoscale convective systems and isolated deep convection in the United States for 2004–2017

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianfeng Li ◽  
Zhe Feng ◽  
Yun Qian ◽  
L. Ruby Leung
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Atmospheric Chemistry ◽  
Rocky Mountains ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
The United States ◽  
Mesoscale Convective Systems ◽  
Convective Systems ◽  
Data Product ◽  
Mesoscale Convective

Abstract. Deep convection possesses markedly distinct properties at different spatiotemporal scales. We present an original high-resolution (4 km, hourly) unified data product of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and isolated deep convection (IDC) in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains and examine their climatological characteristics from 2004 to 2017. The data product is produced by applying an updated FLEXTRKR (Flexible Object Tracker) algorithm to hourly satellite brightness temperature, radar reflectivity, and precipitation datasets. Analysis of the data product shows that MCSs are much larger and longer-lasting than IDC, but IDC occurs about 100 times more frequently than MCSs, with a mean convective intensity comparable to that of MCSs. Hence both MCS and IDC are essential contributors to precipitation east of the Rocky Mountains, although their precipitation shows significantly different spatiotemporal characteristics. IDC precipitation concentrates in summer in the Southeast with a peak in the late afternoon, while MCS precipitation is significant in all seasons, especially for spring and summer in the Great Plains. The spatial distribution of MCS precipitation amounts varies by seasons, while diurnally, MCS precipitation generally peaks during nighttime except in the Southeast. Potential uncertainties and limitations of the data product are also discussed. The data product is useful for investigating the atmospheric environments and physical processes associated with different types of convective systems, quantifying the impacts of convection on hydrology, atmospheric chemistry, and severe weather events, and evaluating and improving the representation of convective processes in weather and climate models. The data product is available at https://doi.org/10.25584/1632005 (Li et al., 2020).

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