OBSERVAÇÕES SOBRE A MODULAÇÃO DA CAMADA LIMITE ATMOSFÉRICA MARINHA DEVIDA À PASSAGEM DE UM SISTEMA FRONTAL NO ATLÂNTICO SUDOESTE

Abstract

Between 6-9 December 2012, the Oceanographic Vessel Alpha Crucis took oceanographic stations in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean in support to both SAMOC and ACEx projects. During the research cruise, the vessel performed measurements with the release of weather balloons. From the data collected by the radiosondes, it was possible to verify the variability of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) in the area and period of study. From meteorological and oceanographic data, it was possible to estimate the latent and sensible heat fluxes from bulk parameterization. During an episode of formation of an extratropical cyclone, the results ,of this work demonstrate the impact of the synoptic conditions influencing the evolution of the MABL. During the prefrontal condition a stratification of the MABL was verified. The latent and sensible heat fluxes directed from the ocean to the atmosphere were low or negative (from the atmosphere to the ocean). During the post frontal condition, the MABL was well developed with a 1200 m height and the latent and sensible heat fluxes from the ocean to the atmosphere were more intense. These observations are fundamental to widen our understanding on the physical processes occurring at the ocean-atmosphere interface and have primary importance for the weather and climate forecast of the south-southwestern region of Brazil.