Caracterização da camada limite atmosférica em Fortaleza-CE.

Abstract

The main focus of this research is a definition of Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) characteristics, distinct or otherwise, formed in two different situations, under the influence of meso and large scale systems, associated with rainy days, and on a clear sky day, in Fortaleza - CE, for a defined period in April 2011 is the main focus of this research. For that, data obtained through radiosounding were used, with the calculation of potential temperature, virtual potential temperature, vertical wind profile and calculation of pressure levels heights equivalent to the identified layers tops. To confirm the results, the study period was divided into two smaller periods, with two scenarios, in which the first one has rainy days and in the second situation there are clear sky days. The choice was made from the accumulation of rain in the study area and possible existence of larger scale atmospheric systems influence. Besides, satellite images to prove the presence or absence of cloudiness typical of these formations and vertical pointing micro radar data to obtain reflectivity information were also used. The results show a possible influence of larger scale atmospheric systems on the ABL development in coastal area of Fortaleza, where, in the first situation, the ABL developed less, reaching a lower depth than the ABL that developed in day when there were no atmospheric systems operating in that area. From these results is possible to assume the geographic location influence of study area on the development of this layer. Although further studies are still needed in this way, this may be an indicator of why the results found in this research are not in agreement with the classic results present in literature.