A modeling study of an Antarctica polynya event

An event of polynya at Terra Nova Bay (TNB), occurring from 15 July to 17 July 2006, is simulated by a recent version of the mesoscale Eta model. Simulation results and observational data describe the surface conditions during the period. The spatial and temporal structure of the atmospheric boundar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Meteorology and atmospheric physics 2011-10, Vol.114 (1-2), p.67-81
Main Author: Morelli, Sandra
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic Pollution
Atmospheric boundary layer
Atmospheric models
Atmospheric physics
Atmospheric Sciences
Boundary layers
Computer simulation
Earth and Environmental Science
Earth Sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Heating
Kinetic energy
Math. Appl. in Environmental Science
Mathematical models
Mesoscale convective complexes
Meteorology
Nova
Original Paper
Polynya
Specific humidity
Terrestrial Pollution
Three dimensional
Waste Water Technology
Water Management
Water Pollution Control
Wind speed
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Summary:An event of polynya at Terra Nova Bay (TNB), occurring from 15 July to 17 July 2006, is simulated by a recent version of the mesoscale Eta model. Simulation results and observational data describe the surface conditions during the period. The spatial and temporal structure of the atmospheric boundary layer in response to the warm area of the polynya is also investigated. Numerical experiments show that the latter influences significantly the wind intensity, the temperature and the specific humidity of the air over Terra Nova Bay. The significant heating of the low atmosphere results in a three-dimensional anomaly in the baric field, which extends far in the Ross Sea, embedded in the complex pressure field obtained by the Eta model also without taking into account the polynya. A turbulent kinetic energy plume, indicating turbulent mixing, and an increased vertical diffusion of horizontal momentum are also simulated over the polynya. The downward flux of high momentum air and the modified pressure gradient force change the wind speed at low level over TNB.
ISSN:0177-7971
1436-5065
DOI:10.1007/s00703-011-0157-5