First field campaign : Xport in Djougou, Benin

Xport has been installed in Djougou, in the northnern Benin, since June 2005. This radar was set up as part of the AMMA Enhanced Observation Period (EOP) strategy. The primary objective of the radar measurements is to sample with a high spatial and temporal resolution the rain fields associated to the precipitating systems which are feeding with water the Ouémé water shed and its sub-catchment such as the densely equipped Donga water shed. The main application is to derive from radar measurement the Quantitative Precipitation Estimates (QPE) which are needed as a forcing field to run hydrological models. As the radar is equipped with dual polarization and with 3D scanning possibilities, volumetric exploration of the Mesoscale Convective Systems and detailed observation of the microphysical processes, and vertical profiles in rain will also be allowed.

More details on the experimental set up and data.

Xport is part of a network of instrument which were gradually installed over the mesoscale observatory of the Upper Ouémé Valley, in order to measure and quantify the different terms of the water cycle. This experimental set up will be further densified in 2006, with the installation of several instrument during the AMMA Short Observation Period (SOP). This includes Doppler and precipitation radars, lidars and radiometers , all to be installed within 20 km from each other to document the details of dynamical and microphysical processes within Precipitating systems. A similar set up will be installed in the Niamey area in Niger and this will allow to compare the characteristics of the rainy events observed in the moist Soudanese region (Bénin) and in drier sahelian environnement (Niger). During the SOP ground observations in Bénin will be coordinated with the numerous instrument flights which are planned during the summer 2006.

The network of raingauges together with a newly installed disdrometer will be used for comparison.