The influence of soil moisture, coastline curvature, and land-breeze circulations on sea-breeze-initiated precipitation

Abstract

Idealized numerical simulations of Florida convection are performed with a coupled atmosphere-land surface model to identify the roles of initial soil moisture, coastline curvature, and land-breeze circulations on sea-breeze-initiated precipitation. The 3D Goddard Cumulus Ensemble cloud-resolving model is coupled with the Goddard Parameterization for Land-Atmosphere-Cloud Exchange land surface model, thus providing a tool to simulate more realistically land surface-atmosphere interaction and convective initiation. Eight simulations are conducted with either straight or curved coastlines, initially homogeneous soil moisture or initially variable soil moisture, and initially homogeneous horizontal winds or initially variable horizontal winds (land breezes). An additional simulation is performed to assess the role of Lake Okeechobee on convective development. All model simulations capture the diurnal evolution and general distribution of sea-breeze-initiated precipitation over central Florida. The distribution of initial soil moisture influences the timing and location of subsequent precipitation. Soil moisture acts as a moisture source for the atmosphere, increases the convectively available potential energy, and thus preferentially focuses heavy precipitation over existing wet soil. Soil moisture-induced mesoscale circulations do not produce heavy precipitation. Coastline curvature has a major impact on the timing and location of precipitation. Earlier low-level convergence occurs inland of convex coastlines, and subsequent heavy precipitation occurs earlier in simulations with curved coastlines. Early-morning land breezes influence the timing of precipitation by modifying low-level convergence. Because of nonlinear interaction between coastline curvature and soil moisture, the highest peak accumulated rainfall and highest peak rain rates occur in simulations with both coastline curvature and initial soil moisture variations. Lake Okeechobee influences the timing and location of precipitation because of strong lake-breeze circulations.