Development of a three-dimensional meso-γ primitive equation model: katabatic winds simulation in the area of Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica

The spatial evolution of Antarctic katabatic winds in the area of Terra Nova Bay is examined using the three-dimensional version of the Universite Catholique de Louvain-Modele Atmospherique Regional (UCL-MAR) mesoscale primitive equation models. The ability of the model to replicate classical linear...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monthly weather review 1994, Vol.122 (4), p.671-685
Main Authors: GALLEE, H, SCHAYES, G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Meteorology
Winds and their effects
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:The spatial evolution of Antarctic katabatic winds in the area of Terra Nova Bay is examined using the three-dimensional version of the Universite Catholique de Louvain-Modele Atmospherique Regional (UCL-MAR) mesoscale primitive equation models. The ability of the model to replicate classical linear mountains wave simulations is verified. Then, three-dimensional experiments are performed for the terrain configuration of Terra Nova (Ross Sea coastal zone) using different horizontal resolutions (5, 10, and 20 km). The model converges for resolutions lower than 10 km. Results are in qualitative agreement with available observations and previous modeling work. Strong katabatic winds are simulated with a jet over Terra Nova Bay. The model seems able to initiate the mesocyclonic activity in the Ross Sea due to the katabatic circulation.
ISSN:0027-0644
1520-0493
DOI:10.1175/1520-0493(1994)122<0671:DOATDM>2.0.CO;2