Dynamics of sea breezes: Analysis of recent events in Southwest Spain

Coastal breezes are mesoscale meteorological phenomena primarily driven by the thermal contrast between land and sea surfaces, creating a dynamic system that influences local circulation. These phenomena, common in coastal regions, have a significant impact on various environmental aspects, such as regulating extreme temperatures, transporting atmospheric pollutants, and modifying coastal surface ocean currents. This study aims to characterize the sea breeze system along the southwest coast of Spain, using a combination of observational data to provide a more detailed understanding of these phenomena in the region.

The analysis of sea breeze events focused on the summers of 2023 and 2024, using data obtained from coastal meteorological stations and radiosondes launched specifically in the study area to gather vertical information on the breezes. To detect breeze events, an objective algorithm based on the work of Borne et al. (1988), Arrillaga et al. (2018), and Román-Cascón et al. (2019) was used. This algorithm facilitated the identification of breeze events based on atmospheric conditions, providing a basis for further analysis.

A key contribution of this study is the proposal of a new classification of breeze types, enabling a more accurate characterization of different breeze events, by considering variables such as intensity, duration, and associated synoptic conditions. Furthermore, statistics of the recorded events are presented, offering a deeper insight into the frequency, intensity, and temporal characterization of breezes in the study area. The study also explored the relationship between turbulent variables during breeze events and different tidal moments, which is particularly relevant due to the large intertidal zone affecting one of the stations used. This observational approach enhances the understanding of the coastal breeze system in the study area and contributes to the broader knowledge of these phenomena.