The California coastal jet: synoptic controls and topographically induced mesoscale structure
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Authors
Cross, Patrick S.
Subjects
coastal jet
low-level winds
marine boundary layer
mountain wave
supercritical flow
COAMPS
mesoscale modeling
lee-side wind maxima
topographic effects
orographiceffects
expansion fans
littoral meteorology
coastal meteorology
low-level winds
marine boundary layer
mountain wave
supercritical flow
COAMPS
mesoscale modeling
lee-side wind maxima
topographic effects
orographiceffects
expansion fans
littoral meteorology
coastal meteorology
Advisors
Nuss, Wendell
Date of Issue
2003-03
Date
March 2003
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The low-level jet along the coast of southern Oregon and California is examined in detail through an extensive data set and the application of COAMPS, a mesoscale model, for the purpose of improving forecasts in challenging littoral environments. The jet forms within the broad equatorward flow established by the pressure gradient between cool ocean and warm land. The inception of the jet along the coast is about 250 km south of the axis of a northeastward extension of the eastern North Pacific high, and the jet may extend equatorward and offshore for hundreds of kilometers. Wind magnitudes increase in association with a reorientation of the coastal surface pressure gradient such that an increased down-coast component exists. Within 200 kilometers of the coast, considerable diurnal and spatial variability are observed and predicted by the model. The frequently observed low-level high wind areas at specific locations along the coast are caused by the combined effects of supercritical expansion within the boundary layer and mountain wave-type flow above the marine layer over six coastal mountain areas in close proximity to the coast. While the expansion fan effects are localized near a coastal bend, it is the offshore extension of the mountain wave that accounts for the large spatial extent of the maximum wind areas offshore.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Meteorology
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
xx, 173 p. : ill. (chiefly col.), col. map ; 28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.