NASA Notes Early Signs of Tropical Depression Over the Atlantic Ocean

Early signs of tropical depression over the Atlantic Ocean were noted by NASA. The low depression area is located in the Southwest of the Azores archipelago. NASA designated the area as Tropical Depression 1.

On April 19, at 3.46 AM EDT data collected by NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement Mission or GPM core observatory satellite highlighted areas over the Atlantic Ocean with heaviest rainfall measures. The GPM's Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) instruments were used to collect data on the low depression area. The low-pressure area showed moderate to heavy rainfall with the average falling rate of rainfall being over 30mm (1.2 inches) per hour especially in the east of the low center. The GPM radar used was DPR Ku-Band; it showed the existence of a few storms rotating in the low-pressure area. The storm area recorded a rain dropping rate of 36 mm (1.4 inches) per hour, revealed Eurek Report.

As per Phys Org, the DPR Ku Band recordings were used by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center to create 3D renderings. The Center is located in Greenbelt, Maryland. The 3D analysis confirmed that most of the storms in the low-pressure area are shallow whereas, highest storms were visible in the west of the low-pressure circulation area, where the storms reached altitudes of above 11km (6.8 miles).

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirmed the place to be a subtropical low-pressure area at the time of formation of the depression but on April 20 at 11 AM EST; The Center changed its stand stating that the area has transitioned into tropical depression area. The epicenter of the Tropical Depression One area was identified to be 36.1 degrees north latitude and 40.0 degrees west longitude.The GPM is a joint satellite mission conducted by the collaborated front of NASA and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).