Project Title

Observing the Atmospheric Boundary Over the Antarctic Ice Sheet

Summary

Event Number:
O-400-M
NSF / OPP Award 1745097

Program Director:
Dr. William Ambrose

ASC POC/Implementer:
Marissa Goerke / Randolph Jones

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. John Cassano
cassano@colorado.edu
University of Colorado Boulder
CIRES
Louisville, Colorado

Project Web Site:
https://amrdc.ssec.wisc.edu/projects/byrd-tall-tower

Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: McMurdo/Ross Ice Shelf

Description

The atmospheric boundary layer links the atmosphere and the underlying surface — the Antarctic ice sheet for this project. Exchange of heat, moisture, momentum and other atmospheric constituents occur in the atmospheric boundary layer and are critical to climate processes such as ice sheet melt. Initially, an observational campaign using a 30-meter (m) tall tower (TT) and a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS) was planned for West Antarctica, but due to logistical constraints, the campaign has been relocated near McMurdo Station. The 30 m TT will provide year-round observations of the lower portion of the atmospheric boundary layer.

Field Season Overview

Two participants will conduct an observational campaign focused on the atmospheric boundary layer near McMurdo Station using an instrumented 30 m tower ("Elijah"), installed during the 2024-25 season. The Antarctic Support Contract will provide a fish hut for the field team, adjacent to the 30 m TT site, and rigger support for maintenance of the 30 m TT during the Mainbody season.

Deploying Team Members