In this paper we discuss some results concerning the analysis of the local atmospheric flow over the southern part of Italy, the Calabria peninsula, using a mesoscale numerical model. Our study is focused on two different but related topics: a detailed analysis of the meteorology and climate of the region based on a data collection, reported in Colacino et al., Elementi di Climatologia della Calabria,
edited by A. GUERRINI, Collana P. S., Clima, Ambiente e Territorio nel Mezzogiorno (CNR, Roma) 1997, pp. 218, and an analysis of the results based on the simulated flow produced using a mesoscale numerical model. The Colorado State University mesoscale numerical model has been applied to study several different climatic situations of particular interest for the region, as discussed in this paper. In particular, the effects on the circulation over the region, due to the variation of different physical parameters as large-scale flow intensity, vertical potential
temperature gradients, soil moisture, have been studied, and the seasonal variability of the Thermally Forced Mesoscale Circulations (TFMCs) is presented. The results
show that thermally forced mesoscale circulation in the region is rather complex, and more pronounced than in regions located at the same latitude. The cells are strongly
supported by the presence of the two breeze systems
(sea-land and mountain-valley), and their location, shape and intensity are affected by the intensity of the
large-scale flow, while atmospheric stability and soil moisture have a weaker influence on the TFMC structure. This study of the dynamics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere in this region, and particularly the analysis of the wind field, is preliminary for other related topics of research as agrometeorology, wind energy exploitation, environmental impact assessment, and for research related to tourism
