On the Sensitivity of the Diurnal Cycle in the Amazon to Convective Intensity

This presentation uses publicly available CERES and radiosonde data to investigate the sensitivity of thetropical convective diurnal cycle to atmosphere state. Averaging surface observations into regimes of convective intensitydefined by satellite shows great promise for physical understandingof convection. Convective processes in the Amazon are highly variable seasonallyand locally. Buoyancy/CIN more important JJA Mesoscale/synoptic features easier to separate Length/depth of buoyancy layer very important in DJF (EL). Moisture more important DJF, esp. UTH Humidity of lower atmosphere significantly impacts LTS, LCL and abilityfor parcels to reach LFC. Lower level jet strength/direction important Convective initiation correlated with LTS, LR, LTH, EL Duration/Phase better correlated with humidity variables Surface Flux amplitude well correlated with convectio