Dong et al. (2026) Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves over the Congo Basin: Modulation by Land Characteristics

Identification

• Journal: Journal of Climate
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-08-07
• Authors: Zeyao Dong, Richard Washington
• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-26-0115.1

Research Groups

• African Climate and Development Programme (ACDP)
• University of Reading, Department of Meteorology
• National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS)

Short Summary

This study investigates the modulation of convectively coupled Kelvin waves over the Congo Basin by land characteristics. The research reveals that land surface properties significantly impact the propagation and intensity of these waves.

Objective

• Investigate the role of land surface properties in modulating convectively coupled Kelvin waves over the Congo Basin

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: Continental scale, focusing on the Congo Basin region
• Temporal Scale: Seasonal and interannual variability

Methodology and Data

• Models used: ERA5 reanalysis data, WRF model simulations
• Data sources: Satellite observations (TRMM, GPM), ground-based measurements

Main Results

• Convectively coupled Kelvin waves are significantly modulated by land surface properties, including vegetation cover and soil moisture.
• The study reveals a strong relationship between land surface characteristics and the intensity of these waves.

Contributions

• This research provides new insights into the role of land surface properties in shaping convective processes over tropical regions.
• The findings have implications for understanding the dynamics of climate variability in Africa and beyond.

Funding

• African Climate and Development Programme (ACDP)
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)

Citation

@article{Dong2026Convectively,
  author = {Dong, Zeyao and Washington, Richard},
  title = {Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves over the Congo Basin: Modulation by Land Characteristics},
  journal = {Journal of Climate},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.1175/jcli-d-26-0115.1},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.1175/jcli-d-26-0115.1}
}