Observations of the diurnal oscillation of the inversion over the Israeli coast

Vertical profiles of temperature and humidity were measured over the sea in two series of 48 hours each, during the summer near the Israeli coast of the Mediterranean. A prominent inversion was observed in the temperature profiles. In the first series the average height of the inversion base was 350m and in the second, 600m. In the inversion a very sharp decrease of the absolute humidity was found. Below the inversion down to the sea surface the atmosphere was well mixed. A significant diurnal oscillation was observed at the height of the inversion base. During the day the inversion moved up and during the night it moved down. This movement was 250m in the first series and 450m in the second. The movement of the inversion base was almost adiabatic. It is suggested that the fluctuation in the height of the inversion base is mainly due to the developing breeze.