Index Geophysics

Observations of Local Meteorological Variability under Large-Scale Circulation Patterns over Athens, Greece

Linking synoptic circulation patterns to specific environmental problems is of significance in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which is characterized by increased seasonal climatic variability and a wealth of distinct weather patterns. This study aims to discuss the links between synoptic scale circulation, intra-day variability and sub-hourly temperature changes over Athens. Diurnal cycles of surface atmospheric variability were examined by applying Principal Component Analysis and Integral Quantities Analysis to a four months data set with surface meteorological elements. Sub-hourly temperature changes were identified by applying a simple linear technique. Principal Components, Integral Quantities and temperature change rates (geometric structures) were related with synoptic circulation categories. It was found that the presence of a Closed Low over the area results in intense along-mountain flows, whilst, after the passage of a trough, when a strong northwesterly flow is established over the area, surface recirculation flows develop. On 64% of the days, geometric structures were observed in the hourly temperature time-series, and they were found to occur across all synoptic situations. Cliff—ramps was the most common geometric structure, and step changes were found to be related with recirculation flows.

Christos H. Halios

Helena A. Flocas

Costas G. Helmis

Dimosthenis N. Asimakopoulos

Panagiotis G. Mouschouras

synoptic circulation patterns

mesoscale flows

geometric structures

recirculation

Meteorology. Climatology

QC851-999

MDPI AG

2018-01-01T00:00:00Z

article

2073-4433

10.3390/atmos9010025

https://doaj.org/article/60dc0af6d3174be192af10a1c7d27408

Atmosphere, Vol 9, Iss 1, p 25 (2018)

EN

http://www.mdpi.com/2073-4433/9/1/25

https://doaj.org/toc/2073-4433

Journal Licence: CC BY