Tropical Pacific moisture variability

The research objectives are the following: (1) to describe synoptic scale variability of moisture over the tropical Pacific Ocean and the systems leading to this variability; (2) to implement satellite analysis procedures to accomplish (1); (3) to incorporate additional satellite information into operational analysis/forecast systems at NMC; and (4) to synthesize knowledge gained from satellite observations through diagnosis and numerical models. Significant accomplishments in FY 91/92 are presented and include the following: (1) satellite forecast applications; (2) satellite data analysis; and (3) tropical plume mechanisms.