Notes on topographic factors affecting the surface wind in Antarctica, with special reference to katabatic winds

• Main Authors: Mather, K. B. (Keith Benson), Miller, G. S. (Gerald Sherman)
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska 1967
• Subjects: Winds; Antarctica; Antarctic; Sastrugi; Antarc*; Ice Shelves
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11122/15384

UAG R-189 The topography of the environs of Antarctic stations plays an important part in determining prevailing surface winds. The stations are variously located near the foot of the plateau slope, on offshore islands, on peninsulas, on extensive rock areas, on ice shelves, at sundry latitudes on the plateau and differing distances from the coast. This report is mainly a collection of notes on the topographic factors likely to influence the surface wind. Thirty-four sites are considered, including those of present stations and former expeditions. Particular attention is paid to plateau slope and the exposure of the site to katabatic drainage. Wind roses are shown for most stations, in relation to the plateau contours. Meteorological and sastrugi observations made on traverses are used to supplement the station data. The poor information available on plateau contours was a major handicap throughout the work. Some classifications and systematics of Antarctic data are tabulated, including seasonal variations of wind speed and temperature, the diurnal variation of wind speed, wind frequency versus wind direction, the deviation of the predominant wind direction from the azimuth of plateau slope, the wind direction near the front of ice shelves, and the mean annual wind speed in relation to temperature. The overall flow pattern of the surface winds of Antarctica is shown. Much of the information contained in the report is presented in the form of 7 tables and 75 maps and figures. A comprehensive bibliography (169 entries) lists source material for the notes on station topography and winds, and articles relating particularly to katabatic winds. The report does not deal with upper winds or the general circulation. Prepared for Atmospheric and Earth Sciences Sections, Division of Environmental Sciences, National Science Foundataion, Washington, D.C., Grant No. GA-900 Abstract -- Foreword -- Acknowledgements -- Table of contents -- List of tables -- List of figures -- Section I. Station details, maps and wind data ...