This project is an observational study of the formation, evolution, and dissipation of mesoscale cyclones along the coastline of the antarctic continent, specifically in conjunction with intense and persistent katabatic winds. It has been known for some time that the higher southern hemisphere latitudes are regions of decay for synoptic scale cyclones. It has however only recently been found that smaller mesoscale cyclones can frequently occur over the sea ice and the adjacent coastal areas of Antarctica, and significantly affect the coastal climate This study will include both climatological and dynamical aspects of mesoscale cyclones and will be based on observations by the array of automatic weather stations in the Terra Nova Bay region, and the digital satellite data recorded at McMurdo Station. Specific tasks to be undertaken include the study of the dynamics relating to the genesis of mesoscale cyclones, numerical modeling of these dynamics, and a comprehensive satellite survey of mesoscale cyclogenesis over West Antarctica to define the contribution of synoptic forcing. The project should improve our understanding of antarctic climate dynamics, particularly the interactions between the synoptic and the mesoscale, and should identify whether these cyclones in conjunction with synoptic forcing contribute significantly to the West Antarctic snowfall.
