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A case study of a midtropospheric subsynoptic-scale cyclone that developed over the Ross Sea and Ross Ice Shelf of Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 May 2004

Jorge F. Carrasco
Affiliation:
Polar Meteorology Group, Byrd Polar Research Center and Atmospheric Sciences Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA Permanent Affiliation: Direccion Meterologica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
David H. Bromwich
Affiliation:
Polar Meteorology Group, Byrd Polar Research Center and Atmospheric Sciences Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA

Abstract

Satellite imagery, synoptic-scale analyses and automatic weather station data were used to study a subsynoptic-scale cyclone that developed over the Ross Sea and Ross Ice Shelf areas of Antarctica. A pre-existing subsynoptic-scale midtropospheric cyclone descended from southern Victoria Land into the semi-permanent baroclinic environment over the south-western corner of the Ross Sea. The subsynoptic-scale cyclone then developed into a frontal system travelling south-eastward over the Ross Ice Shelf and decayed five days later over Marie Byrd Land. It is concluded that stretching of the subsynoptic-scale low, while descending over 2000 m from the high plateau down to sea level, increased its cyclonic vorticity via conservation of potential vorticity. This, along with a cold katabatic outbreak into the northern part of the circulation, provided the mechanisms for its initial development. Subsequently, cold boundary-layer air over the Ross Ice Shelf spiralled into the subsynoptic-scale cyclone supporting its further development. An upper-level synoptic-scale cyclone that approached the area provided the upper-level support for its ESE displacement and development.

Type
Papers—Atmospheric Sciences
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1995

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