Interactions between local winds and coastal sea surface temperatures near the Canterbury coast

A modelling and observational study was conducted in 1982-83 into the relationships between airflow and sea surface temperature along the Canterbury coast near Banks Peninsula. Nearshore sea surface temperatures dropped by as much as 3-4 °C during periods of strong offshore airflow, particularly north-westerlies. This may have been associated with coastal upwelling. A following southerly may also have contributed to this temperature drop by moving colder water from the south. The colder water appeared to produce enhanced sea breezes owing to the resulting increased temperature difference between land and sea. Both modelling and empirical evidence is given to support this. Coastal upwelling of cold water appeared to produce decreased air temperatures near the coast, although the onshore airflow wanned up as it moved inland over warmer surfaces.