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Title: Mesoscale convective systems over the Amazon basin. Part I: climatological aspects

Journal Article · · International Journal of Climatology
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.5171· OSTI ID:1401808
ORCiD logo [1];  [1];  [2]
  1. Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences University of São Paulo (USP) Brazil
  2. Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences University of California (UCLA) Los Angeles CA USA
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ABSTRACT Mesoscale convective systems ( MCSs ) over the Amazon basin provide a large contribution to regional precipitation, which strongly influences the maintenance of unique ecosystems. Despite the importance of these MCSs , their characteristics are not well described in the literature. The present study uses a 14‐year long (2000–2013) data set of high‐resolution (4 km; 30 min) infrared satellite images to compile a climatology of MCSs that during the period of analysis were within the borders of the Amazon basin at some point in their lifespan. MCSs that originated over the continent and the ocean are considered separately. It is found that on average about 7200 continental and 50 oceanic MCSs occurred per year in the Amazon basin. The majority (minority) of continental (oceanic) MCSs completed their lifecycles between 3 and 5.5 h. These MCSs are studied separately from those with lifespan longer than 6 h. Continental and oceanic MCSs over the Amazon occurred primarily during austral summer and autumn–winter, respectively. The preferred regions and time for genesis of continental and oceanic MCSs are identified. The average area, propagation speed and direction of displacement for MCSs in the different stages of their lifecycle are also examined.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
GoAmazon2014/5
OSTI ID:
1401808
Journal Information:
International Journal of Climatology, Journal Name: International Journal of Climatology Vol. 38 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 0899-8418
Publisher:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 22 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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