An Analytical Model of the Diurnal Oscillation of the Inversion Base Due to the Sea Breeze

Abstract

The diurnal oscillation of the height of the inversion due to the sea breeze is studied analytically by use of a linear model. The base of the inversion over the sea moved downward during daytime and upward during nighttime. Over the land the diurnal movement of the inversion base is opposite to that over the sea. The change in the height of the inversion base reached about 250 m. An increase in the mean height of the inversion's base and the stability of the inversion results in a smaller diurnal oscillation. The amplitude of this oscillation is almost independent of the latitude and of the diffusion above the boundary layer. Weak gradient wind blowing in the inland direction increases the amplitude of the oscillation, while stronger gradient wind decreases the amplitude of the oscillation due to a decrease in the intensity of the sea breeze.