Multiplatform Delaware Sea Breeze Detection and Characterization

Delaware Bay experiences two types of sea/bay breeze circulations. The first develops along the Delaware Bay coastline as a classic sea breeze (CSB), moving inland from the coast during the day. The second breeze, the Delaware Bay Breeze (BB), develops across the mouth of the Bay, extending across Delaware and New Jersey. At times the BB and CSB occur simultaneously. We preliminary detected warm-season sea breezes from May to September 2013-2021 using in situ meteorological measurements (air temperature, wind direction, and wind speed) from the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) and Delaware Environmental Observing System (DEOS) with the algorithm from previous studies. The detection algorithm was specified based on sea breeze characteristics and the geometry of the Delaware coastline, and we compared the detected cases to the NEXRAD-II radar observations of the occurrence and evolution. Both radar observations and station detection suggested different types of sea breezes. We refined the algorithm for detecting sea breezes types and characterized them. Synoptic types also reflect the dominant conditions under which DE sea breeze developed, as found in previous studies.

The algorithm of BB detection is a variant of the general CSB detection due to the potential impacts of oceanographic conditions such as the tidal phase during the summer. More data from the DE Bay area at the surface level will help us better understand the development mechanism of Delaware Bay breeze. A more refined detection algorithm can help us understand the characteristics of sea breezes, which could improve the weather forecast for the coastal community and the planning of offshore wind development.