The Synoptic Condition and Boundary Layer Characteristics of Coastal Fog around the Bohai Sea

In this study, a heavy fog that occurred around the Bohai Sea on 17 December 2016, was investigated based on measurement data from microwave radiometer, wind profiler radar, four-component radiometer, sonic anemometer-thermometer, satellite images, buoys, conventional surface observation, and FNL (Final) reanalysis. The synoptic system for fog formation and vertical characteristics of radiation and turbulence were studied as key analysis points. The results show the following: (1) The fog appeared in the front of a low-pressure area and the back of a high-pressure area, and the warm-wet advection accompanied by strong low-level jet provided stable inversion and continuous water vapor accumulation in the fog area, which was very helpful to the fog formation. (2) The water vapor flux was closely related to the movement of the low-level jet. The growth rate of near-surface specific humidity was proportional to the intensity of the low-level jet. (3) Water vapor transport humidified the lower-boundary layer atmosphere around the Bohai Sea, which enhanced the attenuation effect of atmospheric radiation, leading to a decrease in short-wave radiation and an increase in long-wave radiation. When the fog formed, the net radiation was approaching zero. (4) Inversion effectively inhibited the development of turbulence. The kinetic energy and friction velocity of the turbulence were weak in the near-surface layer.