Atmospheric divergence over equatorial East Africa and its influence on distribution of rainfall

Abstract

Spatial and temporal variability of divergence is analysed over equatorial East Africa. According to the analysis, seasonal march of upper level divergence is bimodal. There is peak upper level divergence during March-April-May and October-November-December. Analysis of upper level divergence at synoptic hours reveals that peak divergence occurs in the afternoon over the inland areas. Over the coastal areas, peak upper level divergence occurs at night. Spectral analysis results indicate that there is existence of oscillations in upper level divergence. These oscillations vary in terms of their periodicities and the amount of variance that they account for in the observed divergence.