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Summertime boundary layer winds over the Darwin–Hatherton glacial system, Antarctica: observed features and numerical analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 December 2010

Peyman Zawar-Reza ,
Steve George ,
Bryan Storey  and
Wendy Lawson
Peyman Zawar-Reza*
Affiliation:
Centre for Atmospheric Research, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Steve George
Affiliation:
Centre for Atmospheric Research, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Bryan Storey
Affiliation:
Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Wendy Lawson
Affiliation:
Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
*
peyman.zawar-reza@canterbury.ac.nz
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Abstract

Three temporary Automatic Weather Stations measured summertime surface layer climate over the Darwin–Hatherton Glacial system. These data were used to test a Polar optimized Weather Research and Forecasting model (Polar-WRF) simulation for December as a case study. Observations show differences in hourly averaged solar and net all-wave radiation between white ice and blue ice areas (BIAs). Although the down-welling solar radiation is higher over the white ice region, the net all-wave energy is higher over the BIA. Derived albedo for each surface type confirms that the blue ice areas have lower albedo. Also, the hourly averaged temperatures are higher at lower elevation stations, creating a gradient towards the Ross Ice Shelf. Analysis shows that there is a diurnal oscillation in strength and intensity of the katabatic wind. The two lower stations register a distinct reversal of wind direction in the early afternoon due to intrusion of an anabatic circulation. Anabatic winds are not prevalent further up the Darwin Glacier. A high-resolution Polar-WRF simulation as a case study shows good agreement with observations. The December 2008 case study is characterized by a strong south-westerly katabatic wind over Hatherton, whereas the flow over Lower Darwin was diurnally reversing. Polar-WRF shows that the katabatic front advanced and retreated periodically between Hatherton and Lower Darwin.

Keywords

anabaticblue icekatabaticLatitudinal Gradient ProjectPolar-WRF
Type
Research Article
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 22 , Special Issue 6: The Latitudinal Gradient Project (LGP) , December 2010 , pp. 619 - 632
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2010

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