A two-level model with a flat bottom on a β-plane is employed to examine wind- and buoyancy-driven coastal circulation on the western boundary of the ocean. The model of the ocean interior receives wind stress through the surface Ekman layer, which is purely determined from wind stress. Buoyancy flux is given to the upper level. Momentum equations are linear, and geostrophy in cross-shore momentum is assumed. Density equations retain horizontal diffusion. This cost-effective three-dimensional model is capable of a case study of a seasonal time-scale simulation with various parameters varied. Oceanic responses to wind stress and buoyancy flux occur only along the coast to right of the forcing area facing offshore. A barotropic component merging to the western boundary is responsible for elimination of the undercurrent in the wind-driven flow in most cases. The widths of the barotropic and baroclinic components are proportional to (horizontal viscosity)1/3 and (horizontal diffusion)1/2, respectively. Thus the undercurrent exists with a small diffusion coefficient. A wind-driven current in a stratified system is insensitive to the bottom friction, whil a homogeneous system is sensitive to the friction. A buoyancy flux produces a baroclinic eddy like feature in the forcing area plus a baroclinic coastal flow. A significant barotropic component is produced by bottom friction in the buoancy-driven case, incresaing (reducing) the upper (lower) level flow. Model sensitivity to assumed interactions between the Ekman layer and upper level and vertical finite-difference scheme is examined. The flow field is insensitive to the assumptions and scheme, while vertical stratification is sensitive. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1988