Influence of biomass aerosol on precipitation over the Central Amazon: an observational study
Understanding the influence of biomass burning aerosol on clouds and precipitation in the Amazon is key to reducing uncertainties in simulations of climate change scenarios with regard to deforestation fires. Here, we associate rainfall characteristics obtained from an S-band radar in the Amazon wit...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2015-06-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics |
| Online Access: | http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/15/6789/2015/acp-15-6789-2015.pdf |
| Summary: | Understanding the influence of biomass burning aerosol on clouds and
precipitation in the Amazon is key to reducing uncertainties in simulations
of climate change scenarios with regard to deforestation fires. Here, we
associate rainfall characteristics obtained from an S-band radar in the
Amazon with in situ measurements of biomass burning aerosol for the entire
year of 2009. The most important results were obtained during the dry season
(July–December). The results indicate that the influence of aerosol on
precipitating systems is modulated by the atmospheric degree of instability.
For less unstable atmospheres, the higher the aerosol concentration is, the
lower the precipitation is over the region. In contrast, for more unstable
cases, higher concentrations of black carbon are associated with greater
precipitation, increased ice content, and larger rain cells; this finding
suggests an association with long-lived systems. The results presented are
statistically significant. However, due to limitations imposed by the
available data set, important features, such as the contribution of each
mechanism to the rainfall suppression, need further investigation. Regional
climate model simulations with aircraft and radar measurements would help
clarify these questions. |
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| ISSN: | 1680-7316 1680-7324 |