A NEW LOOK AT THE IDENTIFICATION OF LOW-LEVEL JETS IN SOUTH AMERICA

AbstractCriteria currently employed in algorithms that identify low-level jets (LLJs) in South America utilizing rawinsonde and gridded model data fail to detect an important number of LLJ events. This study discusses shortcomings in the existing approaches for LLJ identification in South America and proposes modifications to the criteria regarding layer depth for LLJ identification and wind direction. Episodes of southerly LLJs, which have received less attention in the La Plata basin, are also included in the investigation. A sensitivity analysis of LLJ detection in South America upon the choice of the criteria applied to a sample period of 15 years (1996–2010) of gridded numerical data from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR), and to a 20-yr dataset (1996–2015) of actual rawinsondes for the La Plata basin, reveals the benefits of revising the criteria. The modified criteria allow for the characterization of a wider spectrum of LLJs over key...