Coastal Jets and Their Interactions Along the Central California Coastline
Abstract
This thesis research focuses on the cause of strong southerly winds around the Monterey Peninsula and particularly on the effects of winter storms that produced strong southerly winds. The high-wind events from 2005 through 2008 were analyzed. During this period, 16 cases were identified that met the criteria of high winds around the Monterey Peninsula. From the 16 cases, three cases were chosen to complete a detailed analysis of the three storm structures. Results from this research suggest new approaches that improve the prediction of the southerly Coastal Jet on the California Coast that can be accurately predicted. A sea level pressure tool can be used to identify how strong a wind speed gust will be at the Monterey Airport for one storm, and that the Froude number can determine the timing of the onset of winds at the Monterey Airport. When the flow is blocked, (Froude number less than unity) weak winds are observed at the Monterey Airport while stronger winds are seen at the Monterey Airport when the flow is unblocked.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA496989
Entities
People
- Liam J. Lynam
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School