Abstract
Topography has an important role in shaping regional and global climate systems, as it acts as a mechanical barrier to the low-level moisture flow. Thus, a complex spatial pattern of rainfall can exist over the mountainous region. Moreover, it is critical to advance our understanding of the relationship between rainfall and topography in terms of rainfall timing, frequency, and magnitude. In this study, characteristics of austral summer (December–February) precipitation are analyzed using 17-year (1998–2014) high-spatial-resolution (0.05° × 0.05°) data obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) over the Andean region focusing on topographic impact. We observe an interaction between precipitation patterns and topography, with clear precipitation–elevation relationships in the Andes regions. The rainfall maxima zone was observed over the higher terrain of the central and southern Andes, and the zone is attributed to frequency and intensity of rainfall, respectively. In the foothills of the central Andes, we find there was a persistent rain system when a moist, low-level flow was lifted due to topography. In contrast, steep mountain slopes and a relatively dry atmosphere modulate deep convection in the foothills of southern Andes.
Highlights
Mountains at different locations differ in shape, extension, altitude, vegetation cover, and climate regime globally [1]
This study compiled a very high spatial resolution (0.05◦ × 0.05◦) rainfall datasets obtained from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) V7 for 17 years (1998–2014) of austral summer (December– February) over the eastern flank of the Andes
As previously reported over the southern slope of the Himalayas, a strong correspondence between rainfall and topography with rainfall maxima over the higher terrain was observed over the eastern flank of the Andes
Summary
Mountains at different locations differ in shape, extension, altitude, vegetation cover, and climate regime globally [1]. These mountains have a crucial role in influencing regional and global climates. They act as barriers for low-level wind flow and induce enhanced precipitation on the mountain windward side through orographic lifting, instability release, sensible heating, or impinging weather system alteration [2,3]. Mountains are Atmosphere 2021, 12, 1204 projects, hydrologic and hydrodynamic modeling, and land–atmosphere interactions [6–
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
