Variations in coastal atmospheric refractivity induced by mesoscale processes

A number of mesoscale processes characteristic of the coastal environment can modify atmospheric refractivity. These processes change the gradients of temperature and moisture at the top of the boundary layer and alter duct height and strength. A mesoscale weather prediction model developed at NRL has been used extensively to make mesoscale atmospheric forecasts over the California coastal region. The authors utilize this model to investigate changes in microwave refractivity associated with low-level jets and cyclonic eddies along the California coast