TRMM/Brazil
Steve Rutledge
Ji-Parana, Rondonia, Brazil
1 January to 28 February 1999
Abstract
Under major support from NASA/TRMM, a comprehensive ground validation
program, known as TRMM/Brazil, will be carried out in Amazonia from 1
November 1998 to 28 February 1999. This program will focus on
studying the dynamical, microphysical, electrical and diabatic heating
characteristics of tropical convection in this region. Data collected
in the program will be used in part to validate products from the TRMM
satellite as it repeatedly overflies this region. This field program
presents an enormous opportunity to address several NSF-based
scientific objectives in the study of tropical convection in this
region. Indeed, the characteristics of convection in this
climate-sensitive region are poorly known. We are requesting partial
support for the S-pol radar from NSF for use in TRMM/Brazil during the
period 1 January 1999 to 28 February 1999. NASA intends to pay for a
significant portion of the S-pol deployment costs. The research to be
done with S-pol will capitalize on the deployment of a second Doppler
radar, atmospheric sounding systems, multiple aircraft, a lightning
network, raingauges and a profiler, all funded by NASA. The NSF
investigators consider this project to be a once in a lifetime
opportunity to study tropical convection in Amazonia, and to compare
the characteristics of convection in this region to other regions in
the tropics and mid-latitudes. We will also conduct research to
improve multiparameter radar-based hydrometeor identification
algorithms, improve reflectivity-based attenuation algorithms
(especially at C-band), and carry out fundamental studies of the
kinematics, microphysics and electrical properties of Amazonian
convection. TRMM/Brazil will be conducted in parallel with the wet
season component of the Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in
Amazonia.
Steven Rutledge
Colorado State University
Dept. of Atmospheric Science
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-8283 (Phone)
(970) 491-8449 (FAX)
rutledge@olympic.atmos.colostate.edu
Co-Investigators:
V.N. Bringi, J. Hubbert, L. Carey (all CSU)
E. Williams (MIT)
R. Avissar (Rutgers)
S. Goodman (NASA/MSFC)
E. Zipser (Texas A&M)
S. Kreuger (U. of Utah)
R. Ravihagan (U. of Alabama)
J. Wilson, E. Brandes, J. Dye, V. Vivek (all NCAR)
Brigitte Baeuerle <baeuerle@ucar.edu>
Last modified: Fri Apr 24 15:32:49 1998