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The Impact of High-Resolution Sea Surface Temperatures on the Simulated Nocturnal Florida Marine Boundary LayerHigh- and low-resolution sea surface temperature (SST) analysis products are used to initialize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model for May 2004 for short-term forecasts over Florida and surrounding waters. Initial and boundary conditions for the simulations were provided by a combination of observations, large-scale model output, and analysis products. The impact of using a 1-km Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) SST composite on subsequent evolution of the marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL) is assessed through simulation comparisons and limited validation. Model results are presented for individual simulations, as well as for aggregates of easterly- and westerly-dominated low-level flows. The simulation comparisons show that the use of MODIS SST composites results in enhanced convergence zones. earlier and more intense horizontal convective rolls. and an increase in precipitation as well as a change in precipitation location. Validation of 10-m winds with buoys shows a slight improvement in wind speed. The most significant results of this study are that 1) vertical wind stress divergence and pressure gradient accelerations across the Florida Current region vary in importance as a function of flow direction and stability and 2) the warmer Florida Current in the MODIS product transports heat vertically and downwind of this heat source, modifying the thermal structure and the MABL wind field primarily through pressure gradient adjustments.
Document ID
20080047967
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
LaCasse, Katherine M.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Splitt, Michael E.
(Florida Inst. of Tech. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Lazarus, Steven M.
(Florida Inst. of Tech. Melbourne, FL, United States)
Lapenta, William M.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 2008
Publication Information
Publication: Monthly Weather Review
Volume: 136
Issue: 4
Subject Category
Oceanography
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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