Understanding mesoscale convective processes over the Congo Basin using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A)
Zhao, S., Fu, R., Ocasio, K. M. N., Nystrom, R. G., He, C., et al. (2025). Understanding mesoscale convective processes over the Congo Basin using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A). Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17301-2025
| Title | Understanding mesoscale convective processes over the Congo Basin using the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A) |
|---|---|
| Genre | Article |
| Author(s) | S. Zhao, R. Fu, K. M. Núñez Ocasio, R. G. Nystrom, Cenlin He, J. Zhang, X. Jiang, J. Teixeira |
| Abstract | Abstract. The Congo Basin in Central Africa is one of three convective centers in the tropics, characterized by a high proportion of precipitation produced by mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). However, process-level understanding of these systems and their relationship to environmental factors over the Congo Basin remains unclear, largely due to scarce in-situ observations. This study employs the Model for Prediction Across Scales–Atmosphere (MPAS-A), a global cloud-resolving model, to investigate MCSs in this region. Compared to satellite-observed brightness temperature (Tb), MPAS-A realistically simulates key MCS features, allowing a detailed comparison between two mesoscale convective complex (MCC) cases: one over the southern mountainous region (MCC-south) and the other over the northern lowland forests (MCC-north). MCC-south is larger, longer-lived, and moves a longer distance than MCC-north. Our analysis shows that MCC-south is supported by higher convective energy and more favorable vertical wind shear. The shear extends up to 400 km ahead of the convection center, exhibits a strong association with Tb variability, and is well balanced by a moderately strong cold pool. In contrast, MCC-north features weaker, localized shear near the center and a stronger cold pool. The African Easterly Jet helps maintain the shear in both cases, but an overly strong jet may suppress low-level westerlies and weaken convection. These results show how latitude and topography modulate environmental influences on Congo Basin MCS developments. The findings underscore the value of global cloud-resolving models for understanding convective systems and their impacts on weather extremes and societal risks in data-sparse regions. |
| Publication Title | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics |
| Publication Date | Dec 2, 2025 |
| Publisher's Version of Record | https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17301-2025 |
| OpenSky Citable URL | https://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d71r6w02 |
| OpenSky Listing | View on OpenSky |
| RAL Affiliations | HAP |