The nature of the propagation of sea breeze fronts in Central California

Abstract

An examination is made of the nature of propagation of sea breeze fronts in central California. From 15 to 30 September, 1987, the LandSea Breeze Experiment (LASBEX) provided a series of meteorological observations including sodar, lidar, rawinsonde, radiosonde and surface observations. Surface observations of opportunity were also available from local marine labs and airports. Using a very simple linear model, the speed and direction of the sea breeze front is investigated. The speed of frontal propagation varied from 1 ms to 3 ms. A correlation between the speed of frontal propagation and estimated surface heat flux is observed. The direction of frontal propagation tends to be up valley. Comparison of the frontal propagation vector with stations in the southern portion of Monterey Bay shows that the front is curved on the mesoscale.