Numerical Study On Cloud Lines Over An Urban Street In Tokyo

`Kanpachi Street Cloud (KSC)' is an unusual small-scalecumulus cloud line visible during calm summer conditions over a major street in the Tokyo metropolitanarea. In order to understand the mechanism leading to the formation of this cloud line,numerical simulations have been performed using the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System.The general characteristics of the simulated KSC agree well with observations. On alarge-scale view, the KSC can be characterized as a cumulus cloud line generated at the convergenceline of two sea breezes on the western side of Tokyo Bay, while on the microscale view, it resemblesBenard-type thermal convection modified longitudinally by wind shear.The location of the convergence line leading to the KSCformation coincides withthe Kanpachi street location, although the street itself does notmake any direct effect on the KSC formation. Additional numerical experiments were performed toidentify causes of the KSC formation in accordance with urbanization, by changing anthropogenicheat impact, land-cover and grid resolution.They confirmed that the formation of the KSC requirestwo meteorological processes at the same time:(1) the convergence of two sea breezes – the localsouth-eastern sea breeze from Tokyo Bay andan extended southern sea breeze from thePacific Ocean, respectively; (2) Forcing due to an urban heat island. It is shown that urbanization couldchange the intensity and position of the KSC through enhancement of local upward motions and changesin the near-surface horizontal pressure gradient between urban and sub-urban areas. Further,fine horizontal grid resolution is needed to be able to resolve these local thermal convection issues.