Sea-breeze scaling from numerical model simulations, part II: Interaction between the sea breeze and slope flows

Numerical model simulations of sea-breeze circulations in the presence of idealized topography are subjected to dimensional analysis in order to capture the dynamics of the sea-breeze circulation combined with an upslope-flow circulation. A secondary objective is to reconcile previous results based...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Boundary-layer meteorology 2007-01, Vol.122 (1), p.31-41
Main Authors: Porson, Aurore, Steyn, Douw G, Schayes, Guy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air circulation
Convection, turbulence, diffusion. Boundary layer structure and dynamics
Dimensional analysis
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Fluctuations
Mathematical models
Meteorology
Numerical model
Scaling analysis
Sea breeze
Sea breezes
Slope flow
Stability
Studies
Surface heat flux
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Summary:Numerical model simulations of sea-breeze circulations in the presence of idealized topography are subjected to dimensional analysis in order to capture the dynamics of the sea-breeze circulation combined with an upslope-flow circulation. A secondary objective is to reconcile previous results based on observations. The analysis is based on a scaling analysis of sea-breeze speed, depth and volume flux. This study is motivated by the fact that the literature of sea breezes interacting with upslope flows is generally qualitative. Results show clear scaling regimes and strong interaction between the two thermally driven circulations. We distinguish three regimes, depending on slope length, slope angle, stability and surface heat flux. The first and third regimes obey the scaling laws of pure sea-breeze scaling. The second regime shows a significant decrease in the scaled volume flux relative to pure sea-breeze scaling. Dynamical relations in the second regime show a strong influence on the circulation of upslope stable air advection.
ISSN:0006-8314
1573-1472
DOI:10.1007/s10546-006-9092-2