Interactions of Tropical Synoptic-Scale Features as Viewed from Satellite

Abstract

Tropical synoptic features - a hypothesized periodic 12 d oscillation over Central America and a 2800 km eastward propagating wave over the eastern Pacific--are examined in OLR and TOVS satellite observations. Their interactions with each other, with tropical plumes and intraseasonal oscillations are found to be weak. Time series analysis of the area-averaged (140 deg -40 deg W and 35 deg N-35 deg S) daily OLR for 1984 revealed a persistent 12 d oscillation in convective activity during dry (1 January-9 May) and wet (10 May-4 December) seasons. A spurious 7 d spike related to the amplitude of OLR values in convective regions, was removed. Composite diagrams of the phases of the oscillation (Maximum, Minimum and inflection points) revealed a preferred meridional orientation of OLR anomalies with eastward movement in the dry season and westward movement in the wet season.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA254310

Entities

People

  • Susan E. Winton

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Central America
  • Data Sets
  • Diagrams
  • Filtration
  • Frequency
  • Geography
  • Grids
  • Measurement
  • Meteorology
  • North America
  • Pacific Ocean
  • Radiation
  • Research Facilities
  • South America
  • Statistical Analysis
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology

Technology Areas

  • Space