A ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE ITCZ IN THE RAINFALL VARIABILITY OF THE STATE OF AMAZONAS

Authors

Keywords:

ITCZ, Precipitation, Amazon

Abstract

This study examines the role of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) in the rainfall variability of the state of Amazonas, aiming to identify seasonal precipitation patterns and validate satellite data (TRMM) by comparing it with ground-based observations (INMET). The Geosystem Theory was employed to provide an integrated approach to climatic and geographic factors. Monthly data from 11 INMET stations (2002–2019) and TRMM estimates were correlated using Pearson's coefficient to assess the satellite's accuracy. The results indicated a strong correlation (r = 0.801) between the datasets, confirming the reliability of TRMM for regional analyses. However, local differences were observed: in Benjamin Constant (R = 0.727), topographic complexity and microclimates reduced accuracy, while Itacoatiara (R = 0.893), with homogeneous terrain, showed greater agreement. Precipitation exhibited marked seasonality, with peaks between February and May, influenced by the migration of the ITCZ. Northern stations displayed lower variability due to the continuous influence of the ITCZ, while southern areas recorded abrupt declines during the dry season, associated with the seasonal displacement of the system. It is concluded that the ITCZ plays a central role in modulating rainfall, but local factors amplify contrasts. TRMM proved effective in homogeneous areas but was limited in complex regions. The study highlights the need to integrate satellite and ground-based data to enhance climate monitoring and support public policies, especially in the face of extreme events and climate change.

Author Biographies

Gabriel Vinicius Barros Lima, Federal University of Amazonas

Graduated in Geography from the State University of Amazonas - UEA and specialist in Environmental Management from the Federal Institute of Amazonas - IFAM. I participated in the Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation Scholarship - PIBID, also in the extension Selective collection at the Escola Normal Superior: socio-environmental responsibility in question. Currently a Master's student in the Postgraduate Program in Geography - PPGEOG at the Federal University of Amazonas - UFAM. I am interested in the areas of Physical Geography, Climatology of the Amazon, Morphoclimatic Studies of the Amazon, Environmental Impact and Remote Sensing.

Jaci Maria Bilhalva Saraiva, Federal University of Amazonas

She holds a degree in Meteorology from the Federal University of Pelotas (1986) and a PhD in Meteorology from the University of São Paulo (1996). She is a full professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande, and was assigned to the Management and Operational Center of the Amazon Protection System in the Meteorology division of the Manaus Regional Center, working in the operational area of ​​Weather and Climate Forecasting. She returned to the University of Rio Grande in 2020. During her time in the Amazon region, she began a collaboration with the postgraduate geography course at the Federal University of Amazonas, a collaboration that continues to this day. She is currently assigned to the Institute of Oceanography, where she teaches courses in Environmental Management, Agroecology, and Geography. She has experience in the area of ​​Geosciences, with an emphasis on Synoptic Meteorology, working mainly on the following topics: tropical precipitation systems, weather forecasting, and forecasting of extreme weather events.

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01/08/2025

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Barros Lima, G. V., & Bilhalva Saraiva, J. M. (2025). A ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE ITCZ IN THE RAINFALL VARIABILITY OF THE STATE OF AMAZONAS. REVISTA GEOGRÁFICA ACADÊMICA, 19(1), 84–99. Retrieved from http://revista.ufrr.br/rga/article/view/8552

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Vol. 19 No. 1 (2025): Revista Geográfica Acadêmica

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