High-resolution simulations of mesoscale convective systems during AMMA

 
Poster PDF

Authors

NASA GSFC — NASA GSFC
Robert Houze — University of Washington
Sally A. McFarlane — U.S. Department of Energy

Paul E Ciesielski — Colorado State University

Category

Cloud Properties

Description

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) that developed during the AMMA (African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analysis) campaign are simulated using a high-resolution cloud-resolving model (CRM). We verify the structures of anvil clouds extending laterally in the upper troposphere from the simulated MCSs by comparing simulated radar reflectivities from modeled anvil cloud to W-band radar and lidar returns from the ARM Mobile Facility in Niamey, Niger. Simulated longwave and shortwave radiative fluxes in the anvil are also compared to those calculated from ARM observations using a radiative transfer model. A water budget illustrates the transport of water from precipitating regions into the anvil.