A study on linearly organized convective systems observed by a C-band meteorological radar in the semi-arid area of Northeast Brazil is presented. The convective activity during three selected days of 1985 March (27 to 29) was analyzed emphasizing the role played by local and large-scale factors on the development of rain systems. On the large-scale scenario, the covered radar area was influenced by an austral upper-level air trough on March 27th and by an upper-level cyclonic vortex on the 29th. Near-surface moisture convergence favored convective activity on days 27 and 29, while near-surface moisture divergence inhibited convective activity on day 28. On the mesoscale, it was found that diurnal heating was an important factor influencing the formation of the convective cells, while their location was determined mainly by the orography. In general, the radar images show the linearly-organized convective systems over elevated terrain and intense convective cells embedded by a stratiform rain area. The results indicate that large-scale convergence of the moisture flux and radiative heating are determinant factors on the evolution and development of the echoes in the area of study.
mesoscale convective system; squall line; upper-level cyclonic vortex; C-band meteorological radar
