Surface layer response to topographic solar shading in Antarctica's dry valleys

Abstract

The effects of topographic shading on local flow transitioning and atmospheric surface layer properties are investigated using observational data from the Miers Valley, one of the dry valleys of Antarctica. A unique data set was collected during a 9 day period in the summer of 2012 using an eddy covariance system and a sound detection and ranging that provided vertical profiles of wind and turbulence characteristics in the surface layer and the lower part of the boundary layer within the Miers Valley. This data set is ideal for investigating the dynamics of flow transitioning due to topographic shading, without the atmosphere experiencing complete darkness. The lack of atmospheric humidity, soil moisture, and surface vegetation in the dry valleys creates an atmosphere within which the microclimatic responses are amplified, and as a result, the valley atmosphere is extremely sensitive to solar radiation. The entire measured valley boundary layer (up to 250 m above ground level) feels the transition from an unstable to a stable stratification as the surface temperature drops by 10°C in response to the topographic shading. Wavelet analysis reveals the dynamics of flow deceleration, stagnation, and oscillations as the flow transitions from an unstable to a stable boundary layer. The larger air mass (along valley) scales to the longer terrain fetch, and as the shade is cast over the valley, it retains some of the longer wavelengths of the flow. The cross‐valley component influenced by the slopes is quicker to adjust to short‐period oscillations and takes around three more hours before it couples with the oscillatory pattern of the along‐valley flow.