Original scientific paper

TOPOGRAPHIC FLOWS AT THE NORTH-EASTERN ADRIATIC COAST

M. Telišman Prtenjak ; Andrija Mohorovičić Geophysical Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia
B. Grisogono ; Andrija Mohorovičić Geophysical Institute, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

A typical summertime anticyclonic situation over the north-eastern Adriatic coast is studied using a 3-D nonhydrostatic meso-γ-scale model. The aim is to evaluate small-scale variability in the thermally driven mesoscale circulations over very complex terrain. The simulations show a development of two diurnal mesoscale eddies inside the Kvarner Bay. The nighttime deeper ones exhibit anticlockwise rotation, while the late afternoon shallow one shows the rotation in the opposite direction. Their appearance and dynamics are connected primarily to the coastline shape and topography. The convergence zones (CZs), as a result of the merged sea breezes, develop over Istria and the island of Krk. The intensity, speed and position of these CZs are examined. The results reveal that the CZ over the island of Krk is connected with a baroclinic low-level jet (LLJ). While the governing factor of the Istrian CZ is differential heating between Istria and the surrounding sea surface, the CZ over the island of Krk (and LLJ) is basically determined by the terrain and coastal geometry. The influence of the synoptic flow on the mentioned local characteristics is relatively small.

Keywords

topographic flow; low level jet; sea/land breeze

Hrčak ID:

64629

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/64629

Publication date:

15.12.2005.

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