Investigating Precipitation Processes along the Atlantic Coast of Senegal and Their Relationship to Tropical Cyclogenesis Research Team: Everette Joseph (Howard), Greg Jenkins (Howard), Paul Kucera (UND), Jose Fuentes (UVA) –Collaborators: John Gerlach (NASA/GSFC), Mactar Ndiaye (Director, DMN/Senegal), Amadou Gaye (Director, UCAD) Objective(s): –To investigate precipitation systems (e.g. MCS’s) and antecedent conditions in the transition region (over Senegal) between land and ocean, and the connection to tropical cyclogenesis. Provide support for aircraft and radar operations (DC-8, FF-20) over Senegal and the adjacent Atlantic and define uncertainties associated with TRMM precipitation estimates. Measurements: NPOL and Senegalese S-Band radars, rain gauge network (large- and dense-scale), disdrometers, flux tower, tethered balloon, broadband radiation measurements, lidar, microwave radiometer, rawindsonde measurements. What do we need?: Good communications between the science teams in Cape Verde and in Senegal (e.g. forecasts, operation updates, coordinated flight operations with the DC-8, etc.).

Radar, Rain Gauge, and Disdrometer Network

Field Measurements: Measurement Systems Tethered Balloon Measurements: –Air Temperature –Relative Humidity –Wind speed –Wind Direction –Pressure Launched every 2 hrs Data Acquisition –2-sec averages. Rawinsonde: Measurements: –Air Temperature –Relative Humidity –Wind speed, Wind Direction –Pressure –Launched every 4 hrs 10-m Micromet. Tower Measurements: –Air Temperature –Relative Humidity –Wind speed –Wind Direction –Pressure Flux System: Sonic Anemometer: –u,v, and w wind components Infrared Gas Analyzer –Water vapor Radiometers: Solar Radiation (Incoming, Reflected) Net Radiation (Incoming and outgoing long and short wave)