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Studies of African wave disturbances with the GISS GCMSimulations made with the general circulation model of the NASA/Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS GCM) run at 4 deg latitude by 5 deg longitude horizontal resolution are analyzed to determine the model's representation of African wave disturbances. Waves detected in the model's lower troposphere over northern Africa during the summer monsoon season exhibit realistic wavelengths of about 2200 km. However, power spectra of the meridional wind show that the waves propagate westward too slowly, with periods of 5-10 days, about twice the observed values. This sluggishness is most pronounced during August, consistent with simulated 600-mb zonal winds that are only about half the observed speeds of the midtropospheric jet. The modeled wave amplitudes are strongest over West Africa during the first half of the summer but decrease dramatically by September, contrary to observational evidence. Maximum amplitudes occur at realistic latitudes, 12 deg - 20 deg N, but not as observed near the Atlantic coast. Spectral analyses suggest some wave modulation of precipitation in the 5-8 day band, and compositing shows that precipitation is slightly enhanced east of the wave trough, coincident with southerly winds. Extrema of low-level convergence west of the wave troughs, coinciding with northerly winds, were not preferred areas for simulated precipitation, probably because of the drying effect of this advection, as waves were generally north of the humid zone. The documentation of African wave disturbances in the GISS GCM is a first step toward considering wave influences in future GCM studies of Sahel drought.
Document ID
19950032430
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Druyan, Leonard M.
(NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, NY United States)
Hall, Timothy M.
(NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, NY United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Climate
Volume: 7
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0894-8755
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
95A64029
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-FG02-92-ER61477
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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