Large-Scale Structure of the June–July 1996 Marine Boundary Layer along California and Oregon

Abstract

Abstract Data from surface stations, profilers, long-range aircraft surveys, and satellites were used to characterize the large-scale structure of the marine boundary layer off of California and Oregon during June and July 1996. To supplement these observations, June–July 1996 averages of meteorological fields from the U.S. Navy’s operational Coupled Ocean–Atmospheric Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) model were generated for the region. Model calculations show a broad band of fast northerly surface winds exceeding 7 m s−1 extending along the California–Oregon coast. Buoy-measured peaks of 7.1 m s−1 off Bodega Bay, 7.2 m s−1 off Point Piedras Blancas, and 8.8 m s−1 near Point Conception were reported. Mean winds at the buoys located 15–25 km offshore are generally faster than those at coastal stations, and all station winds are faster in the afternoon. The aircraft and station observations confirm that an air temperature inversion typically marks the top of the marine boundary layer, which deepens offs...