Abstract
The convergent and divergent wind over the Japanese islands is estimated using meteorological observation data to examine the general characteristics of land and sea breeze driven by differential heating of land and sea. The results show an annual cycle wind called the “Japanese Monsoon” blows, as well as a diurnal cycle flow. These winds are caused by the temperature difference between the Japanese islands and the surrounding sea. The divergent wind field over the Japanese islands can be expressed simply as a superposition of synoptic-scale phenomena (wind fields with seasonal and daily cycles). An annual variation in the amplitude of the diurnal cycle wind is closely related to the magnitude of solar radiation.
