Atmospheric weather regimes over tropical South AmericaInfrared radiance measurements by the GOES-6 satellite during April 1986 through April 1987 were used to characterize and identify distinct regimes of persistent large-scale cloudiness patterns over the Amazon Basin. It is suggested that the energetics of the tropical troposphere over the Amazon Basin can be directly related to the GOES large-scale cloudiness patterns. The geometry and persistence of the cloud patterns are influenced by shifts in general circulation features and are likely modulated by 4- to 5-day and 40- to 60-day waves. Diurnal forcing effects are more pronounced during weather regimes characterized by prominently clear skies over land areas.
Document ID
19930070887
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Connors, Vickie S. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Garstang, Michael (Virginia Univ. Charlottesville, United States)
Nolf, Scott R. (Computer Sciences Corp. Hampton, VA, United States)