Summer Climate at Selected Sites on the Ross Ice Shelf and the Greenland Ice Sheet PDF Download

Author: Michael A. Bilello
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Antarctica
Languages : en
Pages : 30

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Book Description
Climatic summaries for several sites on the Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and selected locations on the Greenland ice sheet were analyzed to determine the type of weather that can be expected in these areas during the summer months. Daily minimum and maximum air temperatures of from 0 to 25F are estimated to occur near 82.5 degrees S and 166 degrees W during December, January and February on the Ross Ice Shelf. Snowfall in summer is relatively infrequent and total amounts generally light, so that extended periods of good flying weather can be expected in summer. However, intervals of poor weather, including heavy snow, fog, whiteout and strong winds with drifting and blowing snow can occur each summer. Average minimum and maximum air temperatures during June, July and August range from 8F to above freezing in the southern portion of the Greenland ice sheet and from -9 to 17F near the summit. Stations east of the crest record light winds from the north and northeast, and those west of the crest stronger winds from the east. Winds near South Site at 63 degrees N in mid-summer are predicted to be generally westerly and to average 9 to 10 mph. Snowfall and fog also apparently occur more frequently in the southern region of the ice sheet. Although good flying weather can be expected during much of the summer near the summit, intervals of snow, fog, whiteout or strong winds with drifting or blowing snow can occur.