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

This project will investigate the atmospheric boundary layer linking the atmosphere and the underlying Antarctic ice sheet. Exchanges of heat, moisture, momentum, and other atmospheric constituents in the boundary layer are critical to ice sheet melt and other climate processes. An observational campaign using a 30-meter (m) tall tower (TT) and a small uncrewed aerial system (UAS) had initially been planned for West Antarctica, but has now relocated near McMurdo Station in response to logistical constraints. The 30 m TT will provide year-round observations of the lower portion of the boundary layer, while its full depth will be profiled via small UAS.

Field Season Overview

Two science team members will deploy to McMurdo Station between mid-August and early October 2026 and conduct an observational campaign focused on the atmospheric boundary layer near McMurdo using an instrumented 30 m tower (automated weather station site "Elijah" installed during the 2024-25 season) and quadcopter UASs. The Antarctic Support Contract will provide the team a fish hut near the 30 m TT and rigger support to maintain the TT during McMurdo’s October-November season opening.

Deploying Team Members