California sea breeze structure and its relation to the synoptic scale
By:  Michael D. Foster
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1996
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 178
Description: The sea breeze structure was examined at several locations along the California coast      during the summers of 1993-1995. The sea breeze was objectively classified as three      distinct types: gradual, frontal and rapid onset. The sea breeze wind and virtual temperature      structure were determined at the surface and the planetary boundary layer. Especially      important were the identification of distinct local and regional scale sea breeze circulations.      To examine the role of the synoptic scale wind patterns on the development of sea breeze      type/ structure, an objective classification scheme was developed and applied along the      West Coast. The synoptic scale classification scheme identified the long- term position of      the eastern North Pacific Ocean anticyclone and significant north/south deviations that      determined large scale wind regimes. Using the classification scheme, the "continental" sea      and land breezes, previously only seen in long term statistical analysis, emerged from      NOGAPS model analysis fields. The role of the synoptic scale wind circulation patterns in      determining the sea breeze types was explored. The roles of coastline geometry and inland      heating sources was determined to be essential in the development and understanding of the      sea breeze circulation types.
Notes: Dissertation superviso(s): Carlyle H. Wash.

"September 1996."

Dissertation (Ph.D. in Meteorology) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1996.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 171-175).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

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US Navy (USN) author.

dk/dk cc:9996 2/26/97