a) Investigate momentum fields within lowest 3 km with emphasis upon East Andean LLJ.

b) Investigate fluxes of moisture and moisture flux divergences of East Andean LLJ.

c) Describe diurnal cycle of east Andean LLJ, its moisture fluxes, and related precip patterns.

d) Describe seasonal cycle of east Andean LLJ and its moisture transports.

e) Describe intraseasonal oscillation of LLJ and its moisture transports.

f) Describe interannual variations of LLJ and related moisture transports.

g) Relate above to precipitation type, intensity and distribution.

  GOAL 2.) Develop process models to analyze/simulate the above phenomenon.

a) compare recent field observations with gridded, assimilated fields lacking such observations.

b) compare special field observations with assimilated, gridded assimilated fields incuding special observations.

c) intercompare the skill of models founded upon the eta and sigma coordinates in steps (a) and (b) above.

d) intercompare capabilities of LAMs and variable resolution global models; these are clearly different in simulation model The question is whether the flexibility of global variable resolution approach is necessary for assimilation.

e) separate which aspects of the simulation/assimilation are sensitive to model used, and which are not.

 GOAL 3) Develop and validate prediction models from medium to extended range forecasts.

a) determine whether semi-regular signals of SACZ-SLLJ fluctuations are predictable.

b) determine whether N. Am. predictability dependency upon SACZ/SLLJ phase are present in better resolved models.

c) ascertain whether the relative benefits of Eta model vs sigma models in more realistic Andean precipitation are due more to model coordinate or to precipitation parameterizations.

d) study feasibility/benefits of performing variable resolution global model simulations of Americas, vs nested, one-way LAM approach.

PHASE I) Build-up phase: Collect past results of field experiments and model simulations. Some of this has been done, as outlined below (and in more complete form http://www.met.utah.edu/jnpaegle/research/miami_report.html and http://www.atmos.ucla.edu/~mechoso/VPM.html)

Paegle et al. (1982) diurnal convection oscillations over S. Am, compared to Wallace (1975).

Berri and Inzunza, Inzunza and Berri diurnal LLJ and moisture fluxes in observations and in model at foot of Andes and further east.

Virji and Velasco and Fritch for S. Am LLJ and MCCs east of Andes.

Douglas-Nicolini-Saulo have shown feasibility of filling in key gaps in LBA- SLLJ experiment over Bolivia.

Sustained observations to monitor and document longer term variability.

Writing assignment?

PHASE II) General Observing Period (GOP) 1 year with pilot phase to test observing systems.

continue and extend Douglas-Nicolini-Saulo observations in whichever way they suggest.

consider additional observations:

TRMM: how far south?

more surface based pibals?

nightime, lighted pibals?

space-based lidar?

NEXRAD radar?

other special observing systems, surface based?

radio control aircraft?

other special observing systems, satellite based?

responsibility to compile results: Douglas, Nicolini, Berbery, Marengo + other interested parties.

PHASE III) Special Observing Periods (SOP) insure that all relevant observations are in place, and that assimilation systems are capable of ingesting and distributing data.

Responsibility: all who want to participate.