Diurnal and semidiurnal rainfall cycles during the rain season in SW Amazonia, observed via rain gauges and estimated using S-band radar

Abstract

The rainfall field estimated by an S-band radar was evaluated with rain gauges network measurements during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission and Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA), then the daily variability associated with the presence (absence) of the South Atlantic convergence zone (SACZ) were studied. The results showed the high spatial variability of the rainfall over southwest (SW) Amazonia and suggest that local mechanisms (topography and/or local circulations induced by contrast of vegetation) may be associated with heavy rainfall episodes; moreover, it was possible to observe the squall line influence on the diurnal and semidiurnal cycles. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society.