Simulation of the effects of biomass burning in a mesoscale convective system in the central amazon

During the dry season of 2014, the formation of a mesoscale convective system (MCS) caused intense precipi-tation and strong winds in the central Amazon region. In this period, cases of MCS that occurred during the days when there were higher concentrations of CO were analyzed. Through this criterion, a case of MCS occurred on August 16th, 2014 was selected. We used the chemical-atmospheric model WRF-Chem to assess the influence of biomass burning aerosol on the intensity of precipitation, winds, vertical and horizontal transport associated with this convective system. We show that biomass burning aerosol reduces the strength of the mesoscale convective system, with less vertical and horizontal transport of carbon monoxide and ozone. In the absence of biomass burning aerosol downdrafts and precipitation rate are more intense, and cloud development up to 5 km is more developed, making the horizontal flow and vertical transport of ozone more intense, however, much more efficient in reducing the concentrations of other gases.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the relationship between mesoscale convective system and biomass burning aerosol during the dry season of 2014. The results showed that biomass burning aerosol weakens the intensity of the convective system and reduces the vertical and horizontal transport of carbon monoxide and ozone. In the absence of biomass burning aerosol, downdrafts and precipitation rate are more intense, and cloud development is more significant, resulting in stronger horizontal flow and vertical transport of ozone, but more efficient in reducing the concentrations of other gases.