Dynamics of the boundary layer
Climate Variability
Synoptic and Mesoscale atmospheric processes
The polar regions are an important part of the global climate system since it is here that the energy absorbed by the atmosphere/ocean system in the tropics and transported through mid latitudes is finally reradiated back to space. Processes in the polar regions can thus potentially both force and respond to changes in global climate. Within the Antarctic, the atmospheric, oceanic and cryospheric elements of the climate system are strongly coupled, leading to a climate regime that is very sensitive to changes in forcing. This sensitivity manifests itself in the high interannual variability seen in Antractic climate records.
The three research groups working in this area aim to investigate
the atmospheric processes which control the climate of Antarctica
and the ways in which these processes interact. Our studies will
cover a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from boundary-
layer turbulence, through mesoscale and synoptic scale systems
to the planetary-scale circulation and its interannual and
interdecadal variability. We shall make use of measurements made
in situ, remotely-sensed data and numerical models appropriate
to the scales being studied.
Dynamics of the boundary layer
Climate Variability
Synoptic and Mesoscale atmospheric processes