Santa Ana airflow observed form wildfire smoke patterns in satellite imagery ( USA).

Abstract

Strong mountain downslope winds over southern California known as 'Santa Ana' bring dry inland air through the coastal region, posing a serious wildfire hazard. Between 26 and 30 November 1980 several large brushfires raged out of control south of Los Angeles. The smoke plume from the fires was visible in NOAA 6 VHRR images and was used to trace the seaward extent of the Santa Ana influence. The smoke followed the 700 mb air flow pattern and was detectable in the images up to 1100 km from its source. -Author