Characterization of the Morning Transition over the Gentle Slope of a Semi-Isolated Massif

Abstract This paper investigates the surface-layer processes associated with morning transition from nighttime downslope winds to daytime upslope over a semi-isolated massif. It provides an insight into characteristics of and its connection controlling erosion temperature inversion at foot slope. First, criterion for identification days prone development purely thermally driven slope is proposed adopted select five representative case studies. Then, mechanisms leading different patterns nocturnal are analyzed. Three main identified: first connected growth convective boundary layer surface, second descent top, third combination previous two. The pattern linked initiation through surface heating, top-down dilution mechanism so mixing above air. discriminating factor in determination identified partitioning turbulent sensible heat flux surface. Significance Statement purpose this study improve our understanding circulations focus on unsteady inversion, far literature less investigated understood than evening transition. Understanding diurnal process will advance abilities model it accuracy weather forecasting complex terrain.