An analysis of low-level jets in the greater Ross Ice Shelf region based on numerical simulations
M.W. Seefeldt and J.J. Cassano
2008, Monthly Weather Review, 136, 4188-4205.
An analysis of the presence and location of low-level jets (LLJs) across the
Ross Ice Shelf region, Antarctica is presented based on the analysis of
archived output from the real-time Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System
(AMPS). The method of self-organizing maps (SOMs) is used to objectively
identify different patterns in column-averaged wind speed (over the
approximately the lowest 1200 m of the atmosphere) as an identifier to the
location of LLJs. The results indicate three primary LLJs in the region.
The largest and most dominant LLJ is along the Transantarctic Mountains by
the Siple Coast and the southern end of the Ross Ice Shelf. The second LLJ
extends from the base of Byrd Glacier and curves to the north passing by the
eastern extremes of Ross Island. The third LLJ extends from the base of
Reeves Glacier and curves to the north across the western Ross Sea. A
strong seasonality is observed in the frequency and intensity of the LLJs
with the highest values for wind speed and the size of the LLJ at a maximum
during the winter and spring months.. |
216 UCB