2007 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Evolution of Convective Clouds, and their Coupling with Meso- to Large-Scale Precipitation Systems
| Project/Area Number |
13136206
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Review Section |
Science and Engineering
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| Research Institution | Shimane University |
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Principal Investigator |
KOZU Toshiaki Shimane University, Interdisiciplinary Faculty of Science and Engineering, Professor (00314617)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
KODAMA Yasumasa Hirosaki University, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Associate Professor (30205421)
TAKAYABU Yukari, N. University of Tokyo, Center for Climate System Research, Professor (10197212)
SHIBAGAKI Yoshiaki Osaka Electro-Communication University, Associate Professor (00319592)
SHIMOMAI Toyoshi Shimane University, 総合理工学部, Assistant Professor (30325039)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2001 – 2006
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| Keywords | Equatorial region / Convective activity / MJO / Atmospheric Radar / Rain Radar / Gravity wave |
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| Research Abstract |
The objective of this research is to understand the behavior and mechanisms of convection-origin atmospheric waves as well as the hierarchical structure of equatorial convective activities and couplings between them, through comprehensive observations of equatorial atmosphere utilizing the EAR (Equatorial Atmosphere Radar) and various instruments. It is therefore important to construct and maintain reliable observation and data quality to contribute to scientific studies. From comprehensive data analyses, the following results have been obtained.
1. In the Maritime Continent, rainfall characteristics are mixture of oceanic and continental types, resulting in peculiar behavior of rainfall activity A similar feature is also found in lightning activity.
2. Three-dimensional rain structure significantly depends on the phase of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Super Cloud Cluster (SCC); deep, localized convection appears to be dominant in the inactive phase of MJO.
3. Mesoscale cloud cluster (CC) clearly appears in large scale disturbances. Eastward moving of SCC is caused by the consecutive development of CC, and related to the geographical feature of West Sumatra.
4. Raindrop size distribution, a resulting quantity of microphysical processes in convection, shows significant diurnal and intraseasonal variations.
5. Temporal-spatial variabilities of convective activities mentioned above cause variations in lightning activity and heating profile. These also depend on over land and ocean. In addition, short-term vertical wind fluctuations, which would be related to gravity wave generation, show significant diurnal and intraseasonal variations.
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