Observations of the Sea-Breeze Front during CaPE. Part I: Single-Doppler, Satellite, and Cloud Photogrammetry Analysis

Abstract

Abstract An analysis of two sea-breeze events on 6 August (an onshore flow event) and 12 August (an offshore flow event) 1991 is presented using single-Doppler observations, satellite images, and cloud pictures collected during the Convection and Precipitation/Electrification (CaPE) Experiment. Documentation of the alongfrontal variability at the leading edge of the sea-breeze circulation is presented for the first time. The horizontal structure of the front was strongly modulated by the near-perpendicular intersections of horizontal convective rolls developing in the ambient air out ahead of the sea breeze on 12 August. These intersection points also appeared to be preferred locations for cloud development along the front. Horizontal convective rolls were also documented on 6 August; however, their orientation was nearly parallel to the sea-breeze front. As a result, extended sections of these rolls appeared to have merged with the front as it propagated inland rather than having distinct intersection po...