Evolution and extension of the Santa Ana winds of February 2002 over the ocean, off California and the Baja California Peninsula

Abstract

The evolution and extension of Santa Ana winds over the Pacific Ocean, off the coasts of California and the Baja California Peninsula, is documented from QuikScat satellite observations. The typical wind pattern in this region is towards the southeast, but between 9 and 12 February 2002 it was modified by Santa Ana winds, changing in direction towards the south, southwest and west. The changes were notable at first in southern California, but the largest indices of variation occurred between 26ºN and 28ºN off the Baja California Peninsula, with maxima in the Gulf of California, mainly in the northern part. The maximum extension of the winds to the west of the coast was on 11 February, reaching 32ºN and 125ºW, or ~700 km; however, towards the southwest the winds extended to 25ºN and 124ºW, or ~1000 km. The topography of the peninsula plays an important role in controlling the winds passing from the Gulf of California to the Pacific, causing plumes of sand and dust in several locations over the ocean.