Case Study of an Easterly Wave Disturbance Over Rio Grande do Norte State - Brazil

Abstract

Easterly Wave Disturbances (EWD) are atmospheric systems present in the tropical region, preferably over areas of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Over the Atlantic they are identified, firstly, near the west coast of the African continent, spreading soaked in the flow of Trade winds in the form of waves moving from east to west. In the southern tropical Atlantic, they act, preferentially, on the east of Northeast Brazil (NEB) contributing significantly to the total annual rainfall. This paper analyzes a case of occurrence of EWD on the NEB in the Rio Grande do Norte state on June 13th, 2014, making use of reanalysis data of meridional wind component and relative vorticity in 850 hPa level, precipitable water and rain observed data. It is observed that the EWD intensifies between 12 and 13 June, with significant values of negative vorticity and precipitable water near the NEB's coast, and performing as an extension of convective activity present in the ITCZ, since West Africa. The EWD has caused significant amounts of rain, leading to landslides, flooding and problems on Natal's traffic during the soccer world cup.

Keywords:
Easterly Wave Disturbances; rain; meridional wind; NEB; extreme event