AIR-MASS EXCHANGE BETWEEN THE ATHENS BASIN AND THE MESSOGIA PLAIN OF ATTIKA, GREECE

The present work investigates the interaction between the local and sy noptic meteorology and the resultant air mass exchange between two maj or regions of the Athens Metropolitan Area (AMA); the Messogia Plain, a rural area under development and the Athens Basin which combines ind ustrial and human activities. These are separated by the 1000 m-high H ymettos Mountain. Meteorological data from a 4-month experimental camp aign are used to (a) identify and classify the principal synoptic type s observed, based on past long-term observations, (b) determine the re current surface wind flow patterns over the Messogia Plain and the Ath ens Basin,.(c) specify the effect of the local thermal hows on the met eorological coupling of the two areas in relation to the synoptic, bac kground (large-scale) conditions, and (d) analyse the flow over the Hy mettos Mountain and through the natural openings which link the two ar eas geographically. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.