1. Validation of Regional Model Simulations Over West Africa using the TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission - Satellite) NASA GISS (Goddard Institute For Space Studies) NASA NYCRI Internship Program (New York City Research Initiative) Dr. Leonard M. Druyan Dr. Matthew Fulakeza Charles Steven Sosa Mr. Ruben Worrell Alexis Phillips

2. Region of Study: Latitude: -20.00 º S to 35.00 º N Longitude: -35.00 º W to 35.00 º E

3. Background Information A Regional Model is a multi-purpose climatology tool that is run through UNIX simulates climate-environment of a specific region Recent NCEP Reanalysis data sets are used as boundary & inital conditions runs a good number of variables for each either 16 or 28 layers of the atmosphere, depending on the regional model 16-layer (RM-3) takes less time to calculate output then 28-layer 28 layer (RM-3b), takes longer to calculate output however, is more detailed The TRMM is used to validate the regional model’s simulation based on its binary output Outputs from the RM-3, RM-3b, and the TRMM are run through Transform universal color bar to test the accuracy of the regional models. A Regional Model is a multi-purpose climatology tool that is run through UNIX simulates climate-environment of a specific region Recent NCEP Reanalysis data sets are used as boundary & inital conditions runs a good number of variables for each either 16 or 28 layers of the atmosphere, depending on the regional model 16-layer (RM-3) takes less time to calculate output then 28-layer 28 layer (RM-3b), takes longer to calculate output however, is more detailed The TRMM is used to validate the regional model’s simulation based on its binary output Outputs from the RM-3, RM-3b, and the TRMM are run through Transform universal color bar to test the accuracy of the regional models.

4. Methods

5. Based upon the date, data from the TRMM Satellite (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) is needed for the simulated time period The TRMM helps in making sure that the output from the regional models is at least close to accurate. The satellite gives an account of what actually happened for the time period specified, in the region specified. All outputs from the TRMM and Regional Model(s) will be run through Transform Gives a side-by-side comparison of the TRMM (actual) and the Regional Models When all outputs are put through Transform and interpolated (image creation), a comparison can be made by differencing either the 28 layer with the TRMM or the 16 layer with the TRMM Based upon the date, data from the TRMM Satellite (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) is needed for the simulated time period The TRMM helps in making sure that the output from the regional models is at least close to accurate. The satellite gives an account of what actually happened for the time period specified, in the region specified. All outputs from the TRMM and Regional Model(s) will be run through Transform Gives a side-by-side comparison of the TRMM (actual) and the Regional Models When all outputs are put through Transform and interpolated (image creation), a comparison can be made by differencing either the 28 layer with the TRMM or the 16 layer with the TRMM Methods: Continued

6. Last summer - running preliminary tests on the RM-3b 28 layer model against the TRMM Satellite. The RM would serve as a climate prediction tool for the ACMAD (African Centré for Meteorological Studies) so that droughts in the West African region can be seen ahead of time. Facilitate the meteorologists in climate prediction Implementations of the United Nations Relief Aid ahead of time so that damages and lives lost can be decreased dramatically. Last summer - running preliminary tests on the RM-3b 28 layer model against the TRMM Satellite. The RM would serve as a climate prediction tool for the ACMAD (African Centré for Meteorological Studies) so that droughts in the West African region can be seen ahead of time. Facilitate the meteorologists in climate prediction Implementations of the United Nations Relief Aid ahead of time so that damages and lives lost can be decreased dramatically. Discussio n

7. Comparison

8. Conclusions & Future Work I would like to thank Senior Research Scientist, Leonard Druyan and Associate Research Scientist, Matthew Fulakeza for their encouragement and support and I look forward to completing the rest of the research for this summer. Although the RM3b 28 layer outputs more rain over the Atlantic, we feel that the precipitation patterns are accurate enough to predict future climate during the rainy season of West Africa Next Summer - two scientists from ACMAD will be coming here next summer for Matthew and Len to train in using the RM3b Special thanks to: Frank Scalzo, Elizabeth Rudolph, Mr. Ruben Worrell, Alexis Phillips, Dr. Joe Barba, Mr. Otto Marte, Mr. Luis Villada, Mr. Victor Flores, Dr. Yiannis Andreopoulos, MTSI, the NYCRI, Michael Shospin, Angel Suarez and Sabrina Hosein for all their help and tech support. I would like to personally thank my mother, Ms. Carolina M. Sosa and family. Finally we thank Southern Connecticut State University for their support in creating the video files. Thank you. I would like to thank Senior Research Scientist, Leonard Druyan and Associate Research Scientist, Matthew Fulakeza for their encouragement and support and I look forward to completing the rest of the research for this summer. Although the RM3b 28 layer outputs more rain over the Atlantic, we feel that the precipitation patterns are accurate enough to predict future climate during the rainy season of West Africa Next Summer - two scientists from ACMAD will be coming here next summer for Matthew and Len to train in using the RM3b Special thanks to: Frank Scalzo, Elizabeth Rudolph, Mr. Ruben Worrell, Alexis Phillips, Dr. Joe Barba, Mr. Otto Marte, Mr. Luis Villada, Mr. Victor Flores, Dr. Yiannis Andreopoulos, MTSI, the NYCRI, Michael Shospin, Angel Suarez and Sabrina Hosein for all their help and tech support. I would like to personally thank my mother, Ms. Carolina M. Sosa and family. Finally we thank Southern Connecticut State University for their support in creating the video files. Thank you.