An Analysis of Low-Level Jets in the Greater Ross Ice Shelf Region Based on Numerical Simulations

Abstract

An analysis of the presence and location of low-level jets (LLJs) across the Ross Ice Shelf region in Antarctica is presented based on the analysis of archived output from the real-time Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS). The method of self-organizing maps (SOMs) is used to objectively identify different patterns in column-averaged wind speed (over the approximately lowest 1200 m of the atmosphere) as an identifier to the location of LLJs. The results indicate three primary 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. A strong seasonality is observed in the frequency and intensity of the LLJs with the highest values for wind speed and the size of the LLJ at a maximum during the winter and spring months.