Analysis of the internal boundary layer formation on tropical coastal regions using SODAR data in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

This paper investigates local circulation features in the industrialised coastal region of Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A better understanding of local circulation affects directly the choice of suitable dispersion models and/or development of new ones to plan mitigation strategies to reduce air pollution inthe area. The topographic characteristics and the variety of atmospheric phenomena acting over the area suggest the formation of internal boundary layers (IBLs) during cold front and bay breeze flows with direction upstream of the major industries. Vertical profiles of main meteorological variables are evaluated together with surface weather stations and satellite data to derive a detailed physics-based description of the various stages of bay breeze in terms of the main forces, duration, and atmospheric stabilities. It is found that the development phase of the sea breeze coincides with the largest bay/land differences and, consequently, it is the most pronounced condition to observe the IBL formation