A Lake Breeze Index

Abstract

Since the mathematical equations describing the lake breeze phenomenon are too complex to yield exact solutions, approximation techniques are often used. To obtain the important parameters upon which the solutions depend, a dimensional analysis is then employed. The study shows that two dimensionless parameters describe the balance of forces that distinguish between lake breeze days and non-lake breeze days. A lake breeze index is established and a critical value is found. It a narrow transition zone is recognized, then the lake breeze index has an accuracy of 97 per cent.