A Numerical Study of Mountain-Plain Breeze Circulation in Eastern Chengdu, China

The spatiotemporal structure and evolution of the thermally-induced mountain-plain breeze circulation in the Longquan Mountain, eastern Chengdu, are studied by the WRF-ARW model based on a two-day case. Turbulence characteristics are also examined to better understand the local circulation of the area. Simulation results show that the 2 m temperature distribution of the plain and mountain areas is peculiar due to the occurrence of the temperature inversion. The plain and mountain breezes can be predicted explicitly by the model, and the consequent circulations are coupled with other factors such as turbulent movement and vertically propagating mountain waves. Owing to this unique terrain feature, the north portion of the mountain demonstrates more evident mountain and plain breezes compared to the south and middle portions. Stronger turbulences are formed over the mountain area compared to the plain area. Vertical cross-sections of turbulent heat, moisture and momentum fluxes show that turbulent transport plays an important role in the development and elimination of mountain-plain breeze circulation.