Finite analytic solution of a two-dimensional sea breeze on a regular grid

Abstract

A turbulent, two-dimensional sea breeze model is solved by the finite analytic method on a regular grid using the momentum weighted interpolation method. A k-ε turbulence model is used to simulate the turbulent aspects of the planetary boundary layer. The spatial structure of the model circulation, including inflow depth and penetration, were in close agreement with observational studies. The magnitude of the mean horizontal speed reached a maximum of 3.4 ms −1, somewhat less than those reported in many observational studies. However, the magnitude of the vertical velocity reached a maximum of 0.7 ms −1, similar to speeds observed in experimental studies. Model results for quantities of turbulent kinetic energy, dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy, and turbulent viscosity showed very close agreement with those measured in experimental studies. The maximum value of turbulent kinetic energy was nearly 2 m 2s −2, while the rate of dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy reached a maximum value of 11.8 cm 2s −3. The turbulent viscosity attained values of nearly 100 m 2s −1.