Strong surface inversions in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) are a common occurrence over sea-ice and terrestrial surfaces during the winter months in the arctic. These inversions can be quite persistent, can have a complex structure and vary considerably depending upon location and local topography. In addition to impacting the heat and moisture budgets at the snow/ice surface, prediction of surface inversions are vitally important for GCM Arctic climate predictions.
In this work, the Regional Atmospheric Modelling System (RAMS) is used to simulate the formation and persistence of inversions located within arctic/subarctic valleys. A detailed two-stream radiative transfer model coupled to an ice bin microphysical model of ice precipitation are utilized in the studies. The impact of valley depth and steepness on inversion formation and maintenance are studied. In addition, the importance of the structure of the temperature and moisture profiles are explored. Since ice crystal formation and precipitation can strongly impact the thermodynamics of the ABL, studies of this process and its impact on the evolution of the surface inversions are also conducted