EAS Seminar by Dr. Thomas Kilpatrick, UCSD
When: Monday,
April 10, 2017
10:00 AM
-
11:00 AM
Where: Textiles Building 105
Description: Subject: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS OF INTERACTONS BETWEEN ATMOSPHERIC CONVECTION AND SURFACE WINDS
Abstract: Satellite scatterometers measure surface winds over the global oceans, but these observations have historically been limited by rain-related errors. We have recently developed techniques to circumvent these rain-related errors, allowing for direct observational study of convection-wind coupling over the ocean.
We use these corrected wind data to detect cool downdrafts from mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) for the first time. These wind observations are validated against surface buoys and satellite observations of cloud-top temperature.
Building on this study, we utilize satellite wind and rainfall observations to examine coupling between the land-sea breeze and the diurnal cycle of rainfall in the Bay of Bengal. Observations show co-propagation of surface convergence and rainfall anomalies from the eastern coast of India into the bay; surface convergence leads the rainfall anomalies by several hours, implying that the land breeze forces the diurnal cycle of convection over the bay.
Abstract: Satellite scatterometers measure surface winds over the global oceans, but these observations have historically been limited by rain-related errors. We have recently developed techniques to circumvent these rain-related errors, allowing for direct observational study of convection-wind coupling over the ocean.
We use these corrected wind data to detect cool downdrafts from mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) for the first time. These wind observations are validated against surface buoys and satellite observations of cloud-top temperature.
Building on this study, we utilize satellite wind and rainfall observations to examine coupling between the land-sea breeze and the diurnal cycle of rainfall in the Bay of Bengal. Observations show co-propagation of surface convergence and rainfall anomalies from the eastern coast of India into the bay; surface convergence leads the rainfall anomalies by several hours, implying that the land breeze forces the diurnal cycle of convection over the bay.
Contact: EAS Seminar Series
Topical Areas: University Community, Mathematics, College of Engineering, Physics