Environmental Conditions Associated with Amazonian Squall Lines: A Case Study

Abstract

The environmental conditions associated with squall lines ( SL) that were observed during the period of 13 April-13 May 1987 (GTE/ ABLE-2B) originating at the northern coast of South America and propagating over the Amazon Basin are documented. The SL observed on 5-7 May are examined in more detail. The SL days had in common a stronger and deeper low-level jet when compared with the days without SL. Two possible explanations are found for the intensification of the low-level jet: propagating easterly waves in the tropical Atlantic, which eventually reach Manaus, and localized heat sources in the western Amazon. Both were observed on 5-6 May. It is suggested that numerical simulations should be performed to unravel the relative importance of each large-scale mechanism.