Modulation of the African easterly jet by a mesoscale convective system

Abstract

The modulation of the African easterly jet (AEJ) by a mesoscale convective system (MCS) is examined in a numerical simulation. An AEJ with a strong and confined core is simulated before the formation of the MCS north of the AEJ axis, and the jet is 'split' with two separate cores after the passage of the MCS. Our diagnosis suggests that the MCS may be triggered by a wave propagating south of the AEJ axis. A momentum budget analysis indicates that the meridional circulation associated with the MCS weakens the jet to its south and forms the secondary jet to its north. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society.