Effects of Ocean-Land Thermal Contrast on the Organized Cloud: Preliminary Results from a Squall Line Case on Hainan Island

Abstract

Using the high-resolution numerical weather research and forecasting (WRF) model, study the squall line process that occurred on Hainan Island on 22 April 2020. The findings indicate that high terrain blocks the swift accumulation of water vapor carried by the sea breeze and aids in preserving the accumulated water vapor. According to the sensitivity experiment, terrain height has minimal impact on the macroscopic effects of mesoscale weather processes. However, it does influence where the sea breeze converges. During this process, the ocean-land thermal contrast not only takes the main responsibility for the sea breeze but also leads to uplift motion, which affects the formation, intensity, and duration of the squall line. Additionally, the unstable conditions suggest that a thermal and dynamic environment promote the scale of this squall line. Utilizing the Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman theory (RKW), this study analyzes the effects of the cold pool and vertical wind shear. The analysis reveals that significant vertical wind shear at lower levels and the ground-cold pool contribute to the sustenance and growth of the squall line system. This squall line process has had the greatest impact on the Haikou area due to the strong low-level vertical wind shear and prolonged interaction with the cold pool. When the interaction between the cold pool and the vertical wind shear weakens, the squall dissipates.