An analysis of the Ross Ice Shelf low-level wind field using surface observations and modeling studies

A dominant feature of the Ross Ice Shelf region wind field is the Ross Ice Shelf air stream (RAS). The RAS is a northward moving air stream in the lower atmosphere over the Ross Ice Shelf. The RAS is comprised of katabatic winds, barrier winds, and winds associated with the passage of cyclone and mesocyclones. An analysis of the surface wind field is done using automatic weather station (AWS) observations by dividing the wind field into dominant wind regimes. The dominant wind regimes are classified by identifying patterns in the wind speed and wind direction from AWS across the Ross Ice Shelf region. The results indicate that previous studies on the Ross Ice Shelf surface wind field, focusing on katabatic winds and barrier winds, represent less than half of the observed winds.; An analysis of the presence and location of low-level jets (LLJs) across the Ross Ice Shelf region is presented based on the analysis of the archived real-time numerical weather prediction output. The method of self-organizing maps (SOMs) is used to objectively identify different patterns in column-averaged wind speed as an identifier to the location of LLJs. The results indicate three LLJs in the region. The largest and most dominant LLJ is along the Transantarctic Mountains by the Siple Coast and the southern end of the Ross Ice Shelf. The second LLJ extends from the base of Byrd Glacier and curves to the north passing by the eastern extremes of Ross Island. The third LLJ extends from the base of Reeves Glacier and curves to the north across the western Ross Sea.; The low-level wind field is investigated to provide more insight into the RAS through the use of SOMs. Four generalized patterns are found in the low-level wind field. The patterns are associated with a weak synoptic environment, a Ross Sea cyclone, a Cape Colbeck cyclone, and an elongated cyclone near Cape Adare. A temporal sequence in the low-level wind field is presented based on an analysis of transitions in the low-level wind field patterns and the associated sea-level pressure analysis.; The results of this study provide numerous answers to the position, characteristics, modulation, and intensity of the RAS. The RAS is located along the western Ross Ice Shelf and extends westward across the Ross Ice Shelf to approximately the 180° meridian for extreme events. The RAS is most intense above the surface at a height of approximately 150 m. Overall there is a strong season dependence on the RAS. The primary origins of the RAS include the circulation across West Antarctica and the air flow through the glacial valleys of the Transantarctic Mountains from the East Antarctic Plateau. The Ross Sea cyclone plays an extremely significant role in the forcing and modulation of the RAS.