A simulation of katabatic winds in the Antarctic coastal zone
Gallee, H.; Schayes, G.; Tricot, C.; Berger, A. (1988). A simulation of katabatic winds in the Antarctic coastal zone, in: Proceedings of the Belgian National Colloquium on Antarctic Research (Brussels, October 20, 1987). pp. 241-259
In: (1988). Proceedings of the Belgian National Colloquium on Antarctic Research (Brussels, October 20, 1987). Science Policy Office: Brussel. 280 pp., more
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Document type: Conference paper
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| Authors | | Top |
- Gallee, H.
- Schayes, G.
- Tricot, C.
- Berger, A., more
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| Abstract |
Katabatic wind, a gravity driven atmospheric flow can be very strong on the steepest slopes of the Antarctic ice sheet, and therefore can maintain coastal water areas free of ice (polynia formation). In these ice free zones, strong heat exchanges occur between the cold atmosphere and the relatively warm ocean, with enhanced sea ice formation and salt rejection in the water column. Ocean - atmosphere interactions in the Antarctic coastal zone are investigated under polar night conditions particularly favorable to katabatic winds development. A mesoscale atmospheric model will be coupled to the different surfaces : sea ice, ocean and ice sheet. The first simulation dealt with the coastal water completely recovered by sea ice and the second one with an open water area extending from the coast to 20 km offshore. Although the presence of the polynia does not influence significantly the simulated katabatic flow itself, the heat transfer between atmosphere and ocean is strongly enhanced when ocean is free of ice, which is specially pronounced for the sensible heat flux. |
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