Smoke from biomass burning varies substantially, allowing tests of direct and indirect effects of this aerosol on radiative transfer and cloud microphysics. Seasonal variations in rain-fall are large. The Amazon basin locale is remote from the United States but has a major international airport. Sites within this locale are unlikely to have good local access. Local services are likely to be poor.
Climate is hot and humid.
Language and cultural barriers may affect operations. The Congo Basin locale is extremely distant from the United States. Sites within this locale are unlikely to have good local access. Local services are likely to be poor. Climate is hot and humid.