Extended Abstract (172K)7.12
Recent climate variability in the Antarctic Peninsula region and large-scale origins
Ian Simmonds, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
The geography and latitude of the Antarctic Peninsula (AP) differ significantly from those of most of Antarctica, and hence it is not surprising that its weather and climate exhibit special characteristics. We present modern aspects of the climate of the AP derived from a recently-released meteorological ‘re-analysis’ data set which arguably presents the best meteorological representation of this part of the world. The Peninsula lies within the circumpolar pressure trough throughout the year and it is situated at the eastern end of a region of very frequent, intense cyclones. A trajectory analysis shows that, through the agency of these storms, the Peninsula is subject to a broad range of transport types and air masses. Attention is paid to the complex interaction between the atmospheric circulation and sea ice. Among the agencies responsible for large-scale influences on AP weather and climate we discuss features which are attracting much current attention, including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the semiannual oscillation, vacillations of the ‘Antarctic mode’, and the Antarctic circumpolar wave.
Session 7, The Southern Hemisphere oceans and the cryosphere
Tuesday, 25 March 2003, 1:30 PM-5:15 PM
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