Multiplatform Observations from DYNAMO and Deployment of a Comprehensive Dataset for Numerical Model Evaluation and other Applications

Abstract:

A large number of observations were collected during the DYNAMO (Dynamics of the Madden-Julian Oscillation) field campaign in the tropical Indian Ocean during 2011. These data ranged from in-situ measurements of individual hydrometeors to regional precipitation distribution to large-scale precipitation and wind fields. Many scientific findings have been reported in the three years since project completion, leading to a better physical understanding of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) initiation and providing insight to a roadmap to better predictability.

The NOAA P-3 instrumented aircraft was deployed from 11 November – 13 December 2011, embarking on 12 flights. This mobile platform provided high resolution, high quality in-situ and remotely sensed observations of the meso-γ to meso-α scale environment and offered coherent cloud dynamic and microphysical data in convective cloud systems where surface-based instruments were unable to reach. Measurements included cloud and precipitation microphysical observations via the Particle Measuring System 2D cloud and precipitation probes, aircraft altitude flux measurements, dropsonde vertical thermodynamic profiles, and 3D precipitation and wind field observations from the tail-mounted Doppler X-band weather radar. Existing satellite (infrared, visible, and water vapor) data allowed the characterization of the large-scale environment. These comprehensive data have been combined into an easily accesible product with special attention paid to comparing observations to future numerical simulations.

The P-3 and French Falcon aircraft flew a coordinated mission, above and below the melting level, respectively, near Gan Island on 8 December 2011, acquiring coincident cloud microphysical and dynamics data. The Falcon aircraft is instrumented with vertically pointing W-band radar, with a focus on ice microphysical properties. We present this case in greater detail to show the optimal coincident measurements. Additional facilities provided data from this day including the S-band National Center for Atmospheric Research SpolKa weather radar. This unique dataset will be valuable not only for improving our understanding of convective cloud systems but also for evaluating cloud resolving models and future model development.