Statistics of Tropical Atmospheric Cold Pool Structure and Occurrence as Sampled by a Scanning Doppler Lidar and In-situ Sensors Aboard the RV Revelle during the Dynamics of the Madden Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) Experiment

The organization of tropical shallow Cumulus convection and the pre-moistening of the upper troposphere prior to MJO initiation may be effected by atmospheric cold pools. To better understand their structure, frequency and associates impact on the atmosphere, we are combining ship-based in-situ measurements of thermodynamic variables with velocity and aerosol backscatter data from a scanning Doppler lidar. The lidar data are used to track the leading edge, depth, and aerosol backscatter enhancement of individual cold pools as they pass over the ship. The combined results from over 300 atmospheric cold pools will form the basis of a statistical analysis study relating their structure and occurrence rate to convective activity and the phase of the MJO.