Solar eclipse induced impacts on sea/land breeze circulation over Thumba: A case study

On 15th January 2010, Thumba (8.5∘N8.5∘N, 76.9∘E76.9∘E), witnessed one of the longest noontime Solar Eclipse centered at 13:14 LT. In the present case study, we report first observations on sensitivity of the sea breeze circulation cell to short-term obscuration in solar irradiance. Temporal evolution of surface layer windspeed segregated into right-angle components along the coastline on eclipse and normal days indicated a significant reduction in the intensity of sea breeze during the period of eclipse. Vertical thickness of the sea breeze cell was confined to 300 m on the eclipse day, whereas it was extending to about 610 m on the control day.

Research highlights
► New insights in the impact of Annular Solar Eclipse on sea breeze circulation cell.
► First time experimental observation on shrinking of sea breeze cell thickness.
► Quantification of short-term response of coastal boundary layer to eclipse.
► Immediate recovery of convection after the solar eclipse.
► Advancement in the onset timing of land breeze over Thumba.