Antarctica occupies 10% of the Earth’s land area and when combined with sea ice the area doubles from summer to winter. The combination/interaction of topography, ice, surrounding ocean and overlying atmosphere produce a significant role in global climate. Unique ice core records provide important clues about past and recent climates. In fact, Antarctic meteorological and oceanographic science is crucial for understanding how the planet operates as a global system. Antarctica is the continent for science and international cooperation, with significant progress since the cooperation of the International Geophysical Year (IGY, 1957-8). 

The progress has been supported by significant developments in Satellite Meteorology which have improved polar, mid-latitude and tropical meteorology, particularly analysis and forecasting.  Many countries have participated in Antarctic research, including via inter-hemispheric cooperation, one example being the International Antarctic Analysis Centre in Melbourne Australia in the 1960s. Much research and cooperation has also been related to Satellite Meteorology and data assimilation, starting for example in the area of quantitative cloud picture interpretation and finishing for example with hyperspectral sounding. ​ The advances in these area have supported a fuller understanding of the global circulation and Antarctica. 

 

This session will focus on the progress that has been made in Antarctic science since the IGY and on current research and outstanding issues for weather, climate, atmospheric chemistry and oceans surrounding Antarctica. The Session will also focus on progress that has been made in satellite remote sensing since TIROS1 and on current research and outstanding issues for weather, climate, oceans, atmospheric chemistry, space weather and satellite data assimilation. 

The Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (AMOS) is pleased to help support this session under the umbrella of its MOU with the AMS.