The Effects of Topography on Sea and Land Breezes in a Two-Dimensional Numerical Model

Abstract

A mathematical two-dimensional hydrostatic model has been employed for the study of mesoscale circulations which develop over a mountain barrier, a flat coastline and a mountainous coastline when the prevailing flow is zero. One of the main features of the model is the inclusion of the parameterization of the surface heat budget, and shortwave and longwave radiative fluxes. Results show that the combined sea breeze and mountain circulations produce a more intense circulation during both day and night than when they act separately. The mountainous coastline case generates an inland penetrating sea breeze which develops a leeside cell of upward vertical velocity. The predictions are in qualitative agreement with the observed phenomenon.