Abstract. This paper examines the effect of the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 on meteorological variables across Greece. Integrated micrometeorological measurements were conducted at Kastelorizo, a small island within the path of totality, and other sites within the Greek domain, with various degrees of solar obscuration. The observations showed a dramatic reduction in the incoming global radiation and subsequent, pronounced changes in surface air temperature with the lowest temperature values occurring about 15 min after the full phase. The amplitude of the air temperature drop was not analogous to the obscuration percentage but was principally determined by the surrounding environment (mainly the sea influence), the background meteorological conditions and local cloudiness. Surface wind-speed decreased in most sites as a result of the cooling and stabilization of the atmospheric boundary layer. This perturbation provided a unique opportunity to apply a sensitivity analysis on the effect of the eclipse to the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) numerical mesoscale meteorological model. Strong anomalies, not associated with a dynamic response, were simulated over land especially in surface air temperature. The simulated temperature drop pattern was consistent with the observations.

Abstract. This paper examines the effect of the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006 on meteorological variables across Greece. Integrated micrometeorological measurements were conducted at Kastelorizo, a small island within the path of totality, and other sites within the Greek domain, with various degrees of solar obscuration. The observations showed a dramatic reduction in the incoming global radiation and subsequent, pronounced changes in surface air temperature with the lowest temperature values occurring about 15 min after the full phase. The amplitude of the air temperature drop was not analogous to the obscuration percentage but was principally determined by the surrounding environment (mainly the sea influence), the background meteorological conditions and local cloudiness. Surface wind-speed decreased in most sites as a result of the cooling and stabilization of the atmospheric boundary layer. This perturbation provided a unique opportunity to apply a sensitivity analysis on the effect of the eclipse to the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) numerical mesoscale meteorological model. Strong anomalies, not associated with a dynamic response, were simulated over land especially in surface air temperature. The simulated temperature drop pattern was consistent with the observations.

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Ground-level ozone concentrations were estimated for Greece during a summer period of the year 2000 using the regional air quality model UAM-V off-line coupled with the mesoscale meteorological model MM5. An anthropogenic NOx, NMVOCs and CO emission inventory and biogenic NMVOCs emission data were used to support model simulations. The evaluation analysis indicates a quite satisfactory model performance in reproducing ozone levels. The simulated mean ozone concentrations are above the 32-ppb EU phytotoxicity limit over almost all continental and maritime areas of Greece. Over the greater part of the country, the background mean ozone levels range from 40 to 55 ppb. Ozone values higher than the 55-ppb EU human health protection limit reaching 60 ppb dominate part of the southern Aegean Sea that is influenced by the Athens urban plume. In the areas where anthropogenic emission densities are high, the mean ozone levels vary between 20 and 40 ppb. Over the greater part of Greece, the simulated mean daily maximum ozone concentrations range from 50 to 65 ppb. More enhanced maximum ozone concentrations up to 95 ppb mainly dominate over the greater areas of the two largest Greek urban centres (Athens and Thessaloniki) and over the continental and maritime areas south of Athens which are under the influence of the urban plume.