The summertime low-level jet and marine boundary layer structure along the California coast

This paper examines the strong, summertime northerly low-level jet (LLJ)that frequently exists along the California coast. The persistent synoptic-scale pressure distribution (North Pacific high to the west, thermal low to the east) and baroclinity created by the juxtaposition of the heated continent and the cool marine layer produce the mean structure of this LLJ. Strong diurnal thermal forcing, coupled with topographic influences on the flow, modulate the jet structure, position, and intensity. A mesoscale model is used to examine many of the complex facets of the LLJ flow dynamics. Several sensitivity studies, in addition to a control experiment, aid in this investigation.