Characterization and Evolution of Organized Shallow Convection in the Downstream North Atlantic Trades

Four previously identified patterns of meso-scale cloud organization in the trades — called Sugar, Gravel, Flowers, and Fish are studied using long-term records ground-based measurements, satellite observations reanalyzes. A deep neural network trained to detect these is applied imagery identify periods during which a particular pattern observed over Barbados Cloud Observatory. Surface-based remote sensing at observatory composited shows that can be distinguished by differences geometry. Variations total cloudiness among dominated variations cloud-top cloudiness. amount near base varies little. Each associated with distinct atmospheric environment whose characteristics traced back origins not solely within trades. Sugar air-masses characterized weak winds tropical origin. driven convergence lines originating from synoptical disturbances. Gravel Flowers most native trades, but distinguish themselves slightly stronger subsidence first case greater stability latter. The higher amounts more negative cloud-radiative effects, Fish, selected conditions expected occur less frequently greenhouse warming.