The Catalina Eddy and its Effect on Pollution over Southern California

Abstract

A case study of a Catalina Eddy during Project BASIN is presented. There appears to he a topographic influence in the generation of this eddy. Detailed surface and upper-air data over Los Angeles illustrate the effect of the eddy on the boundary layer and on the transport of ozone out of the basin. Isentropic analyses are consistent with visual satellite images of the phenomena. The Catalina Eddy was shown to extend throughout the entire depth of the strong temperature inversion that exist over Los Angeles, with maximum wind speeds within the inversion. Surface ozone levels downwind of the eddy are shown to vary depending on the local circulations.