Evaluation of the WOCSS Wind Analysis Scheme for the San Francisco Bay Area

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Abstract
Applications of the Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces (WOCSS) model in the San Francisco Bay Area are described. Three case studies, chosen to represent important classes of airflow in the region, were conducted. Two cases involved a prevailing northeasterly flow with or without an inversion, and the third case involved northeasterly flow at the time of the Oakland hills firestorm of 20 October 1991. The dependence of model results (surface winds) on input winds and on the specification of inversion topography is discussed. Dependable results are produced with relatively few well-placed surface observations and with a single sounding. The results suggest that the model is quite suitable for routine, real-time analyses and other practical applications. Abstract Applications of the Winds on Critical Streamline Surfaces (WOCSS) model in the San Francisco Bay Area are described. Three case studies, chosen to represent important classes of airflow in the region, were conducted. Two cases involved a prevailing northeasterly flow with or without an inversion, and the third case involved northeasterly flow at the time of the Oakland hills firestorm of 20 October 1991. The dependence of model results (surface winds) on input winds and on the specification of inversion topography is discussed. Dependable results are produced with relatively few well-placed surface observations and with a single sounding. The results suggest that the model is quite suitable for routine, real-time analyses and other practical applications.

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