Mesoscale Convective Systems and Extreme Precipitation on the West African Coast Linked to Ocean–Atmosphere Conditions during the Monsoon Period in the Gulf of Guinea

This study investigates the importance of convective systems for extreme rainfall along the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea (GG) and their relationship with atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Convective system data (MCSs), daily precipitation, sea surface temperature (SST) and moisture flux an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Atmosphere 2024-02, Vol.15 (2), p.194
Main Authors: Djakouré, Sandrine, Amouin, Joël, Kouadio, Kouassi Yves, Kacou, Modeste
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmosphere
Convection (Meteorology)
Convergence zones
Daily precipitation
Dry season
Environmental aspects
extreme rainfall
Extreme weather
Floods
Gulf of Guinea
Heat waves
Heatwaves
Humidity
Intertropical convergence zone
Landslides & mudslides
mesoscale convective system
Mesoscale convective systems
Moisture
Moisture flux
Monsoons
Ocean warming
Oceans
ocean–atmosphere conditions
Precipitation
Precipitation (Meteorology)
Rainfall
Rainy season
Satellites
Sea surface
Sea surface temperature
Surface temperature
West African Monsoon
Wet season
Wind
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Summary:This study investigates the importance of convective systems for extreme rainfall along the northern coast of the Gulf of Guinea (GG) and their relationship with atmospheric and oceanic conditions. Convective system data (MCSs), daily precipitation, sea surface temperature (SST) and moisture flux anomalies from June to September 2007–2016 are used. The results show that 2/3 of MCSs crossing Abidjan are produced in June, which is the core of the major rainy season. Likewise, 2/3 of MCSs originate from continental areas, while 1/3 come from the ocean. Oceanic MCSs are mostly initiated close to the coast, which also corresponds to the Marine Heat Waves region. Continental MCSs are mostly initiated inland. The results also highlight the moisture flux contribution of three zones which have an impact on the onset and the sustaining of MCSs: (i) the seasonal migration of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), (ii) the GG across the northern coastline, and finally (iii) the continent. These contributions of moisture fluxes coincide with oceanic warming off Northeast Brazil and the northern coast of the GG both two days before and the day of extreme rainfall events. The ocean contributes to moisten the atmosphere, and therefore to supply and sustain the MCSs during their lifecycle.
ISSN:2073-4433
2073-4433
DOI:10.3390/atmos15020194