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FEDERAL SERVICE OF RUSSIA FOR HYDROMETEOROLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Russian Federation State Research Center Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Russian Antarctic Expedition

QUARTERLY BULLETIN №1 (26) January - March 2004

STATE OF ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT Operational data of Russian Antarctic stations

St. Petersburg 2004 FEDERAL SERVICE OF RUSSIA FOR HYDROMETEOROLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Russian Federation State Research Center Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute Russian Antarctic Expedition

QUARTERLY BULLETIN №1 (26) January - March 2004

STATE OF ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT Operational data of Russian Antarctic stations

Edited by V.V. Lukin

St. Petersburg

2004

Authors and contributors

Editor-in-Chief - M.O. Krichak (Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE) Department) Section 1 - M.O. Krichak (RAE), V.Ye. Lagun (Department of Sea-Air Interaction) Section 2 - Ye.I. Aleksandrov (Department of Meteorology) Section 3 - L.Yu. Ryabkov (Department of Long-Range Weather Forecasting) Section 4 - A.I. Korotkov (Department of Ice Regime and Forecasting) Section 5 - Ye.Ye. Sibir (Department of Meteorology) Section 6 - I.P. Yeditkina, I.V. Moskvin, A.V. Frank-Kamenetsky (Department of Geophysics) Section 7 - V.Ye. Lagun (Department of Sea-Air Interaction) Section 8 - V.L. Martyanov (RAE)

Translated by I.I. Solovieva http://south.aari.nw.ru, Russian Antarctic Expedition, Quarterly Bulletin.

Acknowledgements: Russian Antarctic Expedition is grateful to all AARI staff for help and assistance in preparing this Bulletin.

For more information about the contents of this publication, please, contact Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute of Roshydromet Russian Antarctic Expedition Bering St., 38, St. Petersburg 199397 Russia Phone: (812) 352 15 41 Fax: (812) 352 28 27 E-mail: [email protected]

CONTENTS

PREFACE……………………….…………………………………….…………………………..1

1. DATA OF AEROMETEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS…………………………………….………………………….3 2. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN JANUARY – MARCH 2004……………….41 3. REVIEW OF THE ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES ABOVE THE ANTARCTIC IN JANUARY – MARCH 2004……………..…………………………………….…….47 4. BRIEF REVIEW OF ICE PROCESSES IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN BASED ON SATELLITE AND COASTAL OBSERVATION DATA AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN JANUARY-MARCH 2004…………….………………48 5. RESULTS OF TOTAL OZONE MEASUREMENTS AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004……………………...50 6. GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS AT RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN JANUARY – MARCH 2004…..….………………………………….……………...51 7. WORKING MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCAR READER PROJECT……………..58

8. MAIN RAE EVENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004………………………….59

PREFACE

The Bulletin is prepared on the basis of data reported from the Russian Antarctic stations in real time via the communication channels. The Bulletin is published from 1998 on a quarterly basis. Section I in this issue contains monthly averages of standard meteorological and solar radiation observations and upper-air sounding for the first quarter of 2004. Standard meteorological observations are carried out at present at Mirny, Novolazarevskaya, Bellingshausen, Progress (from February 2004) and Vostok stations (at Vostok station, the meteorological observations were fully resumed in March 2004 after its reopening). The upper-air sounding is undertaken once a day at 00.00 Universal Coordinated Time (UCT) at two stations - Mirny Observatory and Novolazarevskaya station. More frequent sounding is conducted at both stations during the periods of the International Geophysical Interval (in accordance with the International Geophysical Calendar in 2004 from March 8 to 21, June 14 to 27, September 13 to 26 and December 13 to 26) at 00 and 12 h UCT. In the meteorological tables, the atmospheric pressure values for the coastal stations are referenced to sea level. Along with monthly averages of meteorological parameters, the tables in Section 1 present their deviations from multiyear averages (absolute anomalies), deviations in σf fractions (normalized anomalies - (f-favg)/ σf) and relative anomalies (f/favg) of monthly sums of precipitation and total radiation. The statistical characteristics necessary for the calculation of anomalies were derived at the AARI Department of Meteorology for the period 1961-1990 as recommended by the World Meteorological Organization. Section 1 also presents the diagrams of temporal variations of mean daily values of meteorological parameters for the specific months at the stations allowing an assessment of synoptic oscillations of these parameters. The section also presents the upper-air-temporal sections of temperature and wind speed in the free atmosphere obtained from the results of regular upper-air sounding at Mirny and Novolazarevskaya stations. The Bulletin contains brief overviews with an assessment of the state of the Antarctic environment based on actual data. Sections 2 and 3 are devoted to the meteorological and synoptic conditions. The reviews of synoptic conditions (section 3) are prepared on the basis of the analysis of current aero-synoptic information, which is performed by the RAE forecaster at Novolazarevskaya station and also on the basis of more complete data on the Southern Hemisphere collected at the AARI. The analysis of ice conditions in the Southern Ocean (Section 4) is based on satellite data received at Bellingshausen, Novolazarevskaya and Mirny stations and on the observations conducted at the coastal Bellingshausen and Mirny stations. The anomalous character of ice conditions is evaluated against the multiyear averages of the drifting ice edge location and the onset of different ice phases in the coastal areas of the Southern Ocean adjoining the Antarctic stations. The multiyear averages were obtained at the AARI Department of Ice Regime and Forecasting over the period 1971-1995. Section 5 presents an overview of total ozone (TO) on the basis of measurements at the Russian stations. Data of geophysical observations published in Section 6 present the results of measurements under the geomagnetic and ionospheric programs (magnetic and riometer observations; vertical sounding of the ionosphere) in Mirny Observatory and at Novolazarevskaya and Vostok station. In early 2004 practically the entire complex of geophysical observations was resumed at Vostok station. The vertical sounding of the ionosphere was temporarily interrupted due to technical causes. This type of observations is carried out now only in Mirny Observatory. The geophysical information also includes the magnetic activity index (PC-index), which is calculated from data of geomagnetic observations of Vostok station. Section 7 contains brief information about the meeting of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research carried out at the AARI on February 9-11. The last Section (8) is traditionally devoted to the main directions of RAE logistics activity during the period under consideration.

Russian Antarctic stations in operation in January - March 2004

MIRNY OBSERVATORY STATION SYNOPTIC INDEX 89592 METEOROLOGICAL SITE HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL 39.9 m GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES ϕ = 66°33′ S; λ = 93°01′ E GEOMAGNETIC COORDINATES Φ = -76.8°; ∆ = 151.1° BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR DAY 7 December – 5 January BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR NIGHT No

NOVOLAZAREVSKAYA STATION STATION SYNOPTIC INDEX 89512 METEOROLOGICAL SITE HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL 119 m GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES ϕ = 70°46′ S; λ = 11°50′ E BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR DAY 15 November - 28 January BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR NIGHT 21 May - 23 July

BELLINGSHAUSEN STATION STATION SYNOPTIC INDEX 89050 METEOROLOGICAL SITE HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL 14.3 m GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES ϕ = 62°12′ S; λ = 58°56′ W BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR DAY No BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR NIGHT No

PROGRESS STATION STATION SYNOPTIC INDEX METEOROLOGICAL SITE HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL 64 m GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES ϕ = 69°23′ S; λ = 76°23′ E BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR DAY 21 November – 22 January BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR NIGHT 28 May – 16 July

VOSTOK STATION STATION SYNOPTIC INDEX 89606 METEOROLOGICAL SITE HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL 3488 m GEOGRAPHICAL COORDINATES ϕ = 78°27′ S; λ = 106°52′ E GEOMAGNETIC COORDINATES Φ = -89.3°; ∆ = 139.5° BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR DAY 21 October - 21 February BEGINNING AND END OF POLAR NIGHT 23 April - 21 August

1. DATA OF AEROMETEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS

JANUARY 2004

MIRNY OBSERVATORY Table 1.1 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Mirny, January 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative anomaly Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 985.8 998.9 967.1 -5.2 -1.5 Air temperature, °C -0.8 6.4 -7.3 0.8 0.9 Relative humidity, % 81 10.6 2.3 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 7.4 0.4 0.4 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 5.1 2 1.5 Precipitation, mm 17.6 2.1 0.1 1.1 Mean wind speed, m/s 8.5 9.9 0.7 0.6 Prevailing wind direction, deg 112 Total radiation, MJ/m2 861 43.3 0.6 1.1 Total ozone content (TO), DU 294 309 264

A B 8

С 1000 0

a RE P U 4 , h T E 990 R RA U

2 S E P ES M

E 0 980 PR

T L R E I -2 A E LEV 970 C

-4 A A E S

RF -6 U

S 960 -8 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004 C D 100 40

s / m ,

% 30 90 , DULUS O TY DI I D M 20

80 EE P S HUM E D V N I I

T 10 70 W E C ELA A R F R 0 SU 60 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004 E F 4 190

m m

, s , M 3 S 180 S U S N KNE O I C I T 2 A H 170 T I R T IP E C V E O R 1 C

P 160 Y W O IL N A S D 0 150 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004 Fig.1.1. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) in Mirny Observatory , January 2004.

Table 1.2 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages) Mirny, January 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T °C direction, without P, hPa D °C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

980 53 -1.9 3.1 925 506 -3.6 4.7 90 12 90 0 0 850 1170 -7.1 4.1 88 11 86 0 0 700 2661 -14.8 5.2 85 7 66 0 0 500 5145 -28.0 5.6 242 1 5 0 0 400 6717 -37.2 5.7 250 4 30 0 0 300 8656 -47.6 5.7 260 8 42 0 0 200 11343 -45.1 8.5 264 8 72 0 1 150 13264 -44.7 10.5 264 8 81 0 0 100 15978 -44.4 12.4 270 6 80 1 1 70 18373 -43.0 13.8 270 4 74 1 1 50 20646 -41.7 14.9 254 1 33 1 2 30 24123 -39.2 16.6 84 2 74 1 1 20 26917 -36.3 18.5 87 5 96 3 3 10 31804 -29.0 22.3 92 8 98 5 5

Table 1.3 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature Mirny, January 2004

P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 -38 -1.3 1.0 1.2 700 -34 -1.1 0.7 0.7 500 -27 -0.7 0.9 0.9 400 -19 -0.4 1.9 1.9 300 1 0.0 2.9 3.1 200 19 0.3 -0.2 -0.2 150 12 0.2 -1.3 -1.5 100 -8 -0.1 -2.2 -2.1 70 -36 -0.6 -2.2 -1.8 50 -55 -0.9 -1.9 -1.8 30 -81 -1.3 -1.5 -1.3 20 -102 -1.5 -1.7 -1.1 10 -117 -1.6 -1.3 -0.5

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R U

S 500 S E 600 PR

700

800

900 5 1015202530

JANUARY 2004 B

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E

SUR 500 S E 600 PR

700

800

900 5 1015202530

JANUARY 2004

Fig. 1.2. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) in Mirny Observatory, January 2004 ( 00 UCT).

NOVOLAZAREVSKAYA STATION

Table 1.4 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Novolazarevskaya, January 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 983.7 994.1 964.3 -7.9 -2.2 Air temperature, °C 0.4 6.3 -4.6 0.8 0.8 Relative humidity, % 58 0.9 0.2 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 7.9 1.9 1.7 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 2.9 1.3 1.3 Precipitation, mm 0 -2.8 -0.4 0.0 Mean wind speed, m/s 7.8 24 1.2 0.9 Prevailing wind direction, deg 135 Total radiation, MJ/m2 728 -105.0 -1.8 0.9 Total ozone content (TO), DU 291 313 253 8

A B 8 С 0

, 1000

E 6

a R P , h TU 4 E A R R E

P 2 990 SSU E R TEM

0 P R L I E V E A

-2 E 980 C L A A F

R -4 SE U S -6 970 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004 C D 80 40

s / m

, S

LU %

70 30 , U D TY O I D M I D M 60 20 U EE P H S E V D I N T 50 I 10 LA E E W C R A F

40 R

U 0 S 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004

Fig. 1.3. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D) at Novolazarevskaya station, January 2004.

Table 1.5 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages) Novolazarevskaya, January 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T °C direction, without P, hPa D °C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

969 122 -0.3 6.6 925 500 -1.9 7.2 103 9 93 0 0 850 1164 -7.1 5.7 99 12 95 0 0 700 2644 -17.3 4.5 94 12 94 0 0 500 5097 -29.9 5.5 90 6 76 0 0 400 6652 -39.6 5.7 101 5 60 0 0 300 8565 -51.3 5.0 137 4 38 0 0 200 11213 -46.2 9.2 167 1 30 0 0 150 13128 -45.0 12.2 222 2 39 0 0 100 15841 -43.7 14.4 218 2 57 1 1 70 18242 -41.2 16.3 199 1 25 1 1 50 20530 -39.9 17.9 149 1 42 1 1 30 24030 -37.4 19.8 96 2 87 3 3 20 26848 -34.8 20.0 102 4 96 5 5 10 31741 -28.2 21.9 102 5 95 5 5

Table 1.6 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature Novolazarevskaya, January 2004

P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 -56 -1.6 1.2 1.2 700 -56 -1.5 0.3 0.2 500 -60 -1.3 0.9 0.7 400 -56 -1.0 1.3 1.0 300 -49 -0.8 0.5 0.4 200 -59 -1.0 -0.5 -0.4 150 -72 -1.2 -1.0 -0.9 100 -90 -1.4 -1.5 -1.3 70 -107 -1.4 -0.6 -0.5 50 -125 -1.9 -0.8 -0.8 30 -148 -2.5 -0.2 -0.1 20 -140 -1.7 0.2 0.1 10 -143 -1.7 1.1 0.5

100

200

300 hPa , 400 E R U

S 500 ES

PR 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530

JANUARY 2004 B

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530

JANUARY 2004

Fig. 1.4. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) over Novolazarevskaya station, January 2004 ( 00 UCT).

BELLINGSHAUSEN STATION Table 1.7 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Bellingshausen, January 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf… Sea level pressure, hPa 987.3 1001.2 962.8 -5.6 -2.2 Air temperature, °C 1.1 8.1 -2.2 -0.1 -0.2 Relative humidity, % 91 5.4 1.3 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 9.3 0.1 0.2 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 7 -0.7 -0.9 Precipitation, mm 66.4 26.5 1.9 1.7 Mean wind speed, m/s 6 15 -0.4 -0.6 Prevailing wind direction, deg 22 Total radiation, MJ/m2 517 41 0.9 1.1

A B 10

С 1000 0

E 8 a P R , h U E T 6 990 R A U S ER P 4 ES R M 980 P

L TE 2 E R V I

LE 970 E A

0 A C E S A F

R -2 960 U S -4 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 JANUARY 2004 C D 100 20

s / m ,

96 16 %

, Y DULUS T O I

D 92 12 I EED M P HUM 88 8 E V I ND S T I

84 W 4 E ELA C R A F 80 R 0 SU 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004 E F 12 50

11 m

10 м m

, 40 m s

M 9 , U SS S

8 E N 7 N 30 K IO C T

6 I A T

IT 5 R 20 E IP V C 4 E O R

3 C P

W 10 Y 2 O L I SN A 1 D 0 0 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 JANUARY 2004 JANUARY 2004

Fig. 1.5. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) at Bellingshausen station, January 2004.

J a n u a r y 2 0 0 4

Mean sea level pressure, hPa (Vostok st.data - pressure at station surface level) 985.8 986 985.1 1100900 500700 Mirny Novolaz Bellings

(f-favg)/σf -1.5 0.4 -0.9

Air temperature, °C

-50 -150 -0.8 -2.5 -13.3 Mirny Novolaz Bellings

(f-favg)/σf 0.9 -0.5 0.1

Relative humidity, %

100 50 0 Mirny Novolaz Bellings

(f-favg)/σf 2.3 -1.3 -0.1

TTTotootaltaal lcloudinesc cllououddinineesss,ss, , tet enttenthsnthshs 9.9.33 9.3 7.2 1010 7.45.7.49 6.5.3 5 6.3 5 5 2.1 0 0 MiMrnMirirnyy ny NNovolovoazNlaovolazz BBeellillingngssBellingsMolodezh Vostok

(f-favg)/σf 0.4 0.7 0.8

PPPrrecipitecreciipitation,patitation,ion, mm mmmm

100100 69 100 57.6 57.6 42.852.4 17.6 42.8 5050 17.9.67 3.8 1.8 0 00 MMirniMirrnyy ny NNovolovoazlNazovolazBBeellingllingss BeMllingsolodezh Vostok

f/favg 1.1 2.0 0.9

MeanMMeanea wn wiiwndindnd s sspeedpeed,peed, ,m m/s//ss 8.8 7.9 10 7 9.5 3.94 9 8.9 8.9 5 995 8.58.5 8.50 88 Mirny Novolaz Bellings Molodezh Vostok MiMirrnyny NovolNazovolazBellingsBellings

(f-favg)/σf 0.6 -0.7 1.0

Fig.1.6. Comparison of monthly averages of meteorological parameters at the stations. January 2004. 14

FEBRUARY 2004

MIRNY OBSERVATORY Table 1.8 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Mirny, February 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 988.7 1004.2 971.7 0.1 0.0 Air temperature, 0C -3 4.6 -10.4 2.2 2.0 Relative humidity, % 71 2.6 0.6 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 5.6 -1.1 -1.8 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 2.5 -0.5 -0.5 Precipitation, mm 1.9 -15.3 -0.9 0.1 Mean wind speed, m/s 10.4 12 1.3 1.1 Prevailing wind direction, deg 112 Total radiation, MJ/m2 549 45.4 0.8 1.1 Total ozone content (TO), DU 281 298 264

A B 6 С 0

, 4 1000

E a R 2 hP

, TU E A

0 R R U E

S 990 P

-2 S E

TEM -4 R L PR I E

-6 V 980 E A C LE

A -8 A F E R S

U -10 S -12 970 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 C D 84 30

s / m , 80

25 %

, DULUS O TY 76 I 20 M D I D M

72 EE P 15 HU D S E N V

68 I TI W A 10 E L C E 64 A R F R 5

60 SU 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 E F 1 190

m m m s , ,

S 180 M U S

KNES N C O I

T 170 A THI T R I E IP V C O E

C 160 R W P O Y N S IL

A 150 D 0 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 Fig. 1.7. Intra-annual variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) at Mirny Observatory , February 2004.

Table 1.9 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages) Mirny, February 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T 0C direction, without P, hPa D 0C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

983 53 -4.9 4.8 925 531 -5.1 7.1 90 14 99 0 2 850 1190 -9.1 5.7 90 11 95 0 0 700 2676 -14.7 6.8 97 8 81 0 0 500 5162 -27.6 8.0 146 5 40 0 0 400 6734 -37.4 6.9 182 5 33 0 0 300 8670 -48.5 5.9 210 6 37 0 0 200 11335 -45.6 7.7 206 5 55 0 0 150 13257 -44.5 9.7 210 4 55 0 0 100 15967 -45.1 11.2 224 3 57 0 0 70 18356 -44.4 11.9 225 3 62 1 1 50 20612 -44.1 12.6 217 2 51 1 2 30 24048 -42.4 13.2 109 1 26 1 2 20 26790 -40.3 14.3 55 2 47 3 4 10 31600 -34.7 16.6 75 2 52 7 8

Table 1.10 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature Mirny, February 2004 P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 11 0.4 1.3 1.4 700 19 0.6 2.1 1.9 500 44 1.0 2.8 2.0 400 60 1.3 2.8 2.0 300 87 1.9 2.2 1.8 200 76 1.4 -0.8 -0.7 150 71 1.3 -0.5 -0.5 100 57 1.0 -1.5 -1.5 70 49 0.8 -1.5 -1.7 50 31 0.5 -1.6 -2.0 30 6 0.1 -1.2 -1.3 20 -19 -0.3 -1.2 -0.8 10 -9 -0.1 -1.0 -0.7

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 10152025 FEBRUARY 2004 B

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 10152025 FEBRUARY 2004 Fig. 1.8. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) at Mirny Observatory, February 2004 (00 UCT).

NOVOLAZAREVSKAYA STATION

Table 1.11 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Novolazarevskaya, February 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 989 998.4 971.2 -0.1 0.0 Air temperature, 0C -2.2 3.8 -7.6 1.2 1.3 Relative humidity, % 56 6.6 1.6 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 8 1.7 1.5 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 3.7 2.4 3.4 Precipitation, mm 20.4 18.6 5.0 11.3 Mean wind speed, m/s 12.4 25 3.3 2.2 Prevailing wind direction, deg 135 Total radiation, MJ/m2 389 -91.9 -2.4 0.8 Total ozone content (TO), DU 297 325 275

A B 4 С 0

1000

a E 2 hP

, E TUR R A

0 U R

S 990 E P ES -2 R TEM EL P R

I 980 -4 LEV E A A C E S A

F -6 R 970 U S -8 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 FEBRUARY 2004 C D 100 40

s / m

, S

LU %

, 30 U D

TY 80 O I D M I

M 20 EED P HU S E D V 60 N TI I

A 10 L E W E C R A F R

40 U 0 S 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 E F 9 8

8 s m l l a m

, b

7 , M E 6 U G A S 6 R N E O I 5 V T O A

4 C 4 IT W IP O C

3 N E S R E

P 2 C

Y 2 A L L I

1 P A D 0 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 Fig. 1.9. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow coverage of meteorological place (F) at Novolazarevskaya station, February 2004.

Table 1.12 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages) Novolazarevskaya, February 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T 0C direction, without P, hPa D 0C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

974 122 -2.6 7.1 925 536 -4.6 8.6 107 18 97 1 1 850 1194 -9.3 6.0 91 18 96 1 1 700 2664 -18.4 4.1 80 14 92 1 1 500 5101 -32.3 4.2 54 9 68 1 1 400 6640 -41.9 4.8 40 6 42 1 1 300 8530 -53.9 4.1 27 5 31 1 1 200 11155 -48.0 6.8 352 4 60 1 1 150 13055 -46.6 9.8 341 5 72 2 2 100 15750 -45.5 12.7 345 4 66 2 2 70 18124 -44.4 14.8 336 4 75 3 3 50 20373 -44.1 16.5 336 3 73 3 4 30 23801 -42.7 17.6 356 3 75 4 4 20 26550 -40.1 19.0 1 2 61 4 4 10 31287 -36.6 21.5 123 1 43 16 9

Table 1.13 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature Novolazarevskaya, February 2004

P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 8 0.2 1.4 1.5 700 9 0.3 0.7 0.7 500 2 0.1 -0.3 -0.3 400 -4 -0.1 0.0 0.0 300 -15 -0.3 -1.8 -1.5 200 -52 -1.2 -2.7 -2.0 150 -76 -1.8 -2.1 -2.1 100 -99 -2.2 -1.6 -1.6 70 -119 -2.4 -1.2 -1.2 50 -147 -2.6 -1.4 -1.6 30 -174 -2.6 -0.6 -0.5 20 -177 -2.3 0.2 0.1 10 -229 -2.9 -0.9 -0.4

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R U

S 500 ES

PR 600

700

800

900 510152025 FEBRUARY 2004 B

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 10152025 FEBRUARY 2004 Fig.1.10. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) over Novolazarevskaya station, February 2004 ( 00 UCT).

BELLINGSHAUSEN STATION

Table 1.14 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Bellingshausen, February 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 998.1 1018.9 979 8.4 3.2 Air temperature, 0C 1.5 4.8 -1.4 0.1 0.1 Relative humidity, % 91 3.1 0.9 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 9.4 0.3 0.5 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 8.8 1 1.3 Precipitation, mm 38 -29.1 -1.4 0.6 Mean wind speed, m/s 5.9 11 -1 -2.0 Prevailing wind direction, deg 360 Total radiation, MJ/m2 303 0.1 0.0 1.0

A B 6 1020 С 0

, E

a R P U 4 1010 , h E AT R R U E S ES MP 1000 E 2 R P T L R E AI

E 990 0 LEV A AC E F S R

SU 980 -2 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 C D 100 24

s / m , S 20

95 U L % , U Y D T

I 16 O

D 90 I

D M 12 EE HUM

85 P E V

TI 8 ND S I LA

80 W E R E 4 C A

75 F R

5 1015202530 U 0 S FEBRUARY 2004 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 E F 20 5

m s l l m a , 16 b

, M 4 E U 14 G S A N

12 R IO E T 10 V 3 A O IT C

P 8 I C OW

E 6 R

SN 2 P

4 E Y AC IL

2 L A P D 0 1 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 Fig. 1.11. Intra-annual variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and meteorological site snow coverage (F) at Bellingshausen station, February 2004.

PROGRESS STATION

Table 1.15

Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f)

Progress, February 2004 Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin Sea level pressure, hPa 993.2 1006.7 980.4 Air temperature, 0C -0.9 6.7 -9.5 Relative humidity, % 50 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 4.7 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 2.2 Precipitation, mm 5.6 Mean wind speed, m/s 6.6 15 Prevailing wind direction, deg 90 Total radiation, MJ/m2 544

A B 8 1004 С 0

, 6

a RE 4 1000 U hP

, T 2 E R RA U PE

S 996

0 S M E E R

-2 P

R T L I 992 E

A -4 V E E C

A -6

A L 988 RF SE

U -8 S -10 984 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004 C D 80 25

s / m , S

70 20 % , DULU TY O

DI 60 15 I D M M E E P HU

50 S 10 E V ND TI I A W L 40 5 E E C R A F R

30 U 0 S 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 FEBRUARY 2004 FEBRUARY 2004

Fig. 1.12. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D) at Progress station, February 2004. 25

F e b r u a r y 2 0 0 4

AtmMeanosphe rsice apress levelure p raest sseaur lee,vhePal, hP a (Vo98sto8.k7 st.data 9-8 pr9 essure99 a8.t s1tation s99u3.rfac2 e level) 988.7 989 998.1 993.2 1109000 900700 700500 500 Mirny Novolaz Bellings Progress Mirny Novolaz Bellings Progress

(f-favg)/σf 0.0 0.0 3.2

AirAi rt etemmppereratatuurree,, ° C°C

10 1.5 510 1.5 -10 0 -3 -2.2 -0.9 -5-30 -3 -2.2 -0.9 MirMirny ny NoNvoovolazlaz BeBellingsllings ProgPrrogressess

(f-favg)/σf 2.0 1.3 0.1

ReRelalativetive hhumididitityy, ,% % 91 100 7171 91 100 5656 5050 5050 0 0 MiMirrny ny NoNvolovazolaz BeBellllingsings PrProgrogesrsess

(f-favg)/σf 0.6 1.6 0.9

TTootatal lc cloudloudinesinesss,, tenths tenths 9.49.4 10 8 8 10 5.65.6 4.74.7 5 0 MiMirnrnyy NNovoovlolazaz BeBlliengsllings ProgPrrogessress

(f-favg)/σf -1.8 1.5 0.5

PrPrececiipiittatatioion,n, mm mm 38 40 38 38 4040 20.20.4 420.4 20 5.6 5.6 2020 1.91.91.9 5.6 0 00 MiMirrnMiry nyny NovNolovazNolazovolazBeBellillingsngBellis PrnogrgPsroesgsressProgress

f/favg 0.1 11.3 0.6

MeanMean wwiind spspeeeed,d, m m/s/s

12.4 1520 1010..4 4 12.4 10 5.9 5.9 6.6 6.6 510 0 0 MiMirnyrny NovNoolazvolaz BelliBngsellingsProgrPersogs ress

(f-favg)/σf 1.1 2.2 -2.0 Fig. 1.13. Comparison of monthly averages of meteorological parameters at the stations. February 2004. 26

MARCH 2004

MIRNY OBSERVATORY

Table 1.16 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Mirny, March 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 979.7 994.7 958 -7.2 -2.1 Air temperature, 0C -9.9 -2.1 -19.7 0.2 0.1 Relative humidity, % 76 6.4 1.3 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 6.6 -0.1 -0.1 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 3.8 1 1.1 Precipitation, mm 44.4 14.8 0.5 1.5 Mean wind speed, m/s 11.7 14 0.7 0.6 Prevailing wind direction, deg 112 Total radiation, MJ/m2 287 -3.4 -0.1 1.0 Total ozone content (TO), DU 300 324 270

A B -2 1000 С 0

, -4

a P RE

-6 , h 990 U E T R

-8 U RA S

E 980 P -10 ES M E -12 970 EL PR R T I

A -14 LEV E A 960 C E S A -16 RF

U -18 950 S -20 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 MARCH 2004 C D 100 40

s / m , US 90

% 30 , Y DUL T O I

D 80 I D M M

E 20 U E P H 70 E V ND S TI I 10 W LA 60 E E C R A F R

50 U 0 S 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 E F 18 170

16 m m m s , 14 165 M SS, E U N

S 12 K N C I IO

10 H 160 T T A R

8 E IT V IP O

C 6 C 155 E R OW

P 4 Y SN

IL 2 150 A

D 5 1015202530 0 MARCH 2004 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004

Fig. 1.14. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) in Mirny Observatory, March 2004.

Table 1.17 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages)

Mirny, March 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T 0C direction, without P, hPa D 0C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

972 53 -10.9 3.7 925 436 -10.7 5.0 96 10 89 2 2 850 1082 -13.4 5.2 93 7 66 2 2 700 2546 -18.5 5.1 222 3 29 2 2 500 4991 -31.9 4.8 263 8 55 2 2 400 6536 -41.7 4.6 267 10 65 2 2 300 8436 -51.4 4.3 270 14 73 2 2 200 11096 -46.4 6.9 265 16 89 2 2 150 13008 -46.4 8.4 266 16 93 2 2 100 15693 -47.4 9.8 268 16 95 2 2 70 18046 -47.7 10.5 268 15 96 2 2 50 20265 -48.2 10.8 270 14 96 2 2 30 23624 -48.0 11.4 271 15 95 2 2 20 26306 -46.8 12.2 275 16 96 3 3 10 31014 -42.4 14.5 271 15 92 10 9

Table 1.18 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature

Mirny, March 2004

P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 -63 -2.1 0.3 0.3 700 -63 -1.9 0.6 0.6 500 -58 -1.3 0.7 0.4 400 -50 -0.8 0.5 0.3 300 -49 -0.8 0.5 0.4 200 -50 -0.9 0.4 0.3 150 -47 -0.8 0.1 0.1 100 -47 -0.8 -0.4 -0.5 70 -55 -0.8 -0.4 -0.4 50 -59 -0.9 -0.4 -0.4 30 -64 -0.8 -0.4 -0.3 20 -59 -0.6 -0.3 -0.2 10 -18 -0.2 -0.5 -0.3

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R P 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 B

100

200

300 a P h , 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 Fig. 1.15. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) in Mirny Observatory, March 2004 (00 UCT). 30

NOVOLAZAREVSKAYA STATION

Table 1.19

Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Novolazarevskaya, March 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 979.2 990.1 963.7 -7 -1.9 Air temperature, 0C -7.3 0.4 -16.6 0.5 0.5 Relative humidity, % 46 -3.2 -0.7 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 5.7 -0.6 -0.6 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 2.1 0.4 0.3 Precipitation, mm 1.3 -7.6 -0.4 0.1 Mean wind speed, m/s 10.5 27 -0.1 -0.1 Prevailing wind direction, deg 135 Total radiation, MJ/m2 265 15.3 0.6 1.1 Total ozone content (TO), DU 275 314 231

A B 2 990 С 0

0 , E

a R -2 P , h TU E A -4 980 R R U

-6 S PE ES

-8 R P TEM

R -10 I EL 970

E A -12 LEV C A A

-14 E F S R

U -16 S 960 -18 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 C D 40

80 s / m ,

70 30 % , DULUS O TY M

DI 60 D I 20 EE P HUM 50 D S E N I V 10 W TI E C LA

40 A E F R R 0 SU 30 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 E F 2 5.2

m s l l

m 4.8 , ba , M E U G S 4.4 A N R IO E T V A

O 4 IT C

P I W C O

E 3.6 N R S P

Y E

C 3.2 IL A A L D 0 P 2.8 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004

Fig. 1.16. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and meteorological place snow coverage (F) at Novolazarevskaya station, March 2004. 32

Table 1.20 Results of aerological atmospheric sounding (from CLIMAT-TEMP messages)

Novolazarevskaya, March 2004 Number of Isobaric Resulting Number of Isobaric Dew point Resulting Wind days surface Temperature, wind days surface, deficit, wind speed, stability without height, T 0C direction, without P, hPa D 0C m/s parameter temperature H m deg wind data data

964 122 -6.9 9.8 925 447 -7.4 12.0 117 13 96 0 0 850 1098 -12.0 10.1 96 14 97 0 0 700 2556 -20.4 7.6 97 8 73 0 0 500 4978 -33.2 6.7 88 6 50 0 0 400 6512 -43.2 6.2 82 5 35 0 0 300 8393 -54.3 5.5 74 3 22 0 0 200 11005 -49.6 8.7 245 4 41 0 2 150 12895 -48.3 10.9 245 5 68 0 2 100 15556 -49.4 12.6 248 6 81 0 0 70 17879 -50.4 13.6 256 6 86 0 0 50 20066 -51.2 14.3 258 7 86 0 0 30 23383 -51.3 15.3 266 7 85 2 2 20 26022 -50.3 16.0 274 8 90 2 2 10 30528 -46.6 17.2 278 42 94 9 9

Table 1.21 Anomalies of standard isobaric surface heights and temperature

Novolazarevskaya, March 2004

P, hPa Н-Нavg, m (Н-Havg)/σН Т-Тavg, °С (Т-Тavg)/σТ 850 -56 -1.8 1.3 1.2 700 -58 -1.7 0.1 0.1 500 -61 -1.4 0.7 0.4 400 -59 -1.1 0.4 0.3 300 -65 -1.0 -0.8 -0.7 200 -88 -1.4 -1.5 -1.3 150 -96 -1.5 -0.5 -0.7 100 -107 -1.8 -1.0 -0.9 70 -130 -2.0 -1.2 -1.1 50 -148 -2.2 -1.3 -0.9 30 -148 -1.3 -0.3 -0.1 20 -186 -1.8 -0.8 -0.3 10 -238 -1.2 0.1 0.0

100

200

300 hPa , 400 E R U

S 500 ES

PR 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 B

100

200

300 а гП

, 400 E R 500 SSU E R

P 600

700

800

900 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 Fig. 1.17. Intra-monthly variations of free atmosphere air temperature (A, 0С) and wind speed modulus (B, m/s) over Novolazarevskaya station, March 2004 ( 00 UCT).

BELLINGSHAUSEN STATION

Table 1.22

Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Bellingshausen, March 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Sea level pressure, hPa 989.2 1007.9 966.8 -1.7 -0.4 Air temperature, 0C 0.7 6.8 -7.3 0.4 0.4 Relative humidity, % 90 2.7 0.8 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 9.2 0.2 0.7 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 8.4 0.6 0.8 Precipitation, mm 67 -5.2 -0.2 0.9 Mean wind speed, m/s 6.8 15 -0.3 -0.4 Prevailing wind direction, deg 158 Total radiation, MJ/m2 192 -3 -0.2 1.0

A B 8 1010 С 0

, 6

a RE P U 4 1000 , h T E R RA 2 E P SSU M E 990 E

0 R P L R T I -2 E V A E E 980 C -4 A L A SE RF -6 U S 970 -8 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 C D 100 24

s / m

, 20

LUS

% 90 , U Y D

T 16 O I D M I 80 12 EED P HUM S E D V 8 N TI 70 I LA E W E 4 C R A F R

60 U 0 S 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 E F 10 10

m m m s

8 , S M S U E S N N 6 K C I IO

T 5 A TH IT

4 ER IP V C E CO R W P

2 O Y SN IL A 0 D 0 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004

Fig. 1.18. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) in Bellingshausen station, March 2004.

PROGRESS STATION

Table 1.23

Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f)

Progress, March 2004 Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin Sea level pressure, hPa 982.4 998 957.7 Air temperature, 0C -8 -15.5 -1.5 Relative humidity, % 61 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 7.4 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 5.2 Precipitation, mm 13.8 Mean wind speed, m/s 6.4 13 Prevailing wind direction, deg 90 Total radiation, MJ/m2 207

A B 0

С 1000 0

-2

E, a P UR -4 , h T E 990 A R U

-6 S ER S P E

-8 R 980 TEM L P E R I

-10 V E A LE 970 C -12 A A E S F

R -14 U

S 960 -16 5 1015202530 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 C D 100 20

/s m 90 US,

16 % , DUL Y O

T 80 I 12 M ID M

70 EED U P

S 8 D E H V N I 60 I T W 4 CE ELA

50 A R F 0 SUR 40 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 E F 10 10

m m , 8 8 , s M S S U S

6 KNE

O 6 I C I T H A T IT R P 4

I 4 E C V E O R C P 2 W Y 2 O IL N A S D 0 0 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004

Fig. 1.19. Intra-monthly variation of daily mean values of surface temperature (A, bolt line), maximal (А, thin line), minimal (A, dotted line) air temperature (А), sea level pressure (B), relative humidity (C), mean (D, black circles), maximal (D, crosses) and minimal (D, white circles) values of surface wind speed modulus (D), precipitation (E) and snow cover thickness (F) at Progress station, March 2004. 38

VOSTOK STATION Table 1.24 Monthly averages of meteorological parameters (f) and their deviations from multiyear averages (favg) Vostok, March 2004 Normalized Anomaly Relative Parameter fmon.avg fmax fmin anomaly f-favg anomaly f/favg (f-favg)/σf Station surface level pressure, hPa 619.5 630.3 604.8 -5.5 -1.5 Air temperature, °C -57.2 -43.2 -67.9 0.9 0.4 Relative humidity, % 63 -6.2 -1.2 Total cloudiness (sky coverage), tenths 2.4 -1.2 -1.2 Lower cloudiness(sky coverage),tenths 0 -0.1 -0.5 Precipitation, mm 3.4 1.2 0.4 1.5 Mean wind speed, m/s 4.9 8 -0.6 -0.7 Prevailing wind direction, deg 225 Total radiation, MJ/m2 232 8.3 0.6 1.0 Total ozone content (TO), DU 289 328 256

A B -42 630

С -44 0

E -46 625 a R P

U -48 , h E R AT -50 620 U R S

E -52 P ES R

M -54 P

E 615 T -56 E

C R -58 A F AI R 610

E -60 U -62 S AC F

R -64 605

SU -66 5 1015202530 -68 MARCH 2004 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 MARCH 2004 C D 72 12

s / m S, U 10 L

% 68 , U Y D T O I

D 8 M I D

64 E E HUM

SP 6 E D V N TI 60 I W 4 E ELA C R A F 56 R 2 SU 5 1015202530 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004 MARCH 2004 E F 1 35

m m m s , , S M 0.8 S U S KNE N C

IO 30 T

0.6 THI A R T E I V IP O C C E W R 0.4 O P

Y SN

IL 25 A

D 5 1015202530 0.2 MARCH 2004 5 1015202530 MARCH 2004

M a r c h 2 0 0 4

AtmAtomsopshepherricic pr presessurree ata ts seae ale velevel,l, hPa hPa 989.2 979.9797 .7 979.9792 .2 989.2 982.9824.4 9001090000 800 619.6195.5 70060700 500500 MirMnyirny NovolNovolaaz z BelBellinlings gs PrProgogresres ss VosVostoktok

(f-favg)/σf -2.1 -1.9 -0.4 -1.5

AAiiAr ritemr tteemmpperperateratuururre,e,e oC,° C°C 0.7 2020 0.7 0.7 10 0 -10-200 -30-2-400 -4-600 -9.-9.9-99.9 -7.-73.3-7.3 -8 -8 -8 -50-6-800 -70-80 -57-.57.2 2 MirMMirirnnnyyy NoovovNoolalvazozlaz BelllliningsgsBellinPrPrgsogrreessssProgVoVoresststsok

(f-favg)/σf 0.1 0.5 0.4 0.4

ReReRelatillaatitiveveve hummiiditididiytyty, ,,% %% 90 76 90 90 100 7676 61 63 100 4646 46 61 6163 5050 0 0 MiMirrnyMirnyny NovNovoolazNlovoaz lBeazBellinlgslingsBeProllinPrgsgogresresssPrVoogVosrteoskstoks

(f-favg)/σf 1.3 -0.7 0.8 -1.2

TTToootatatal llc cloulloouudididinneneessss,, t ,ete tentnthnthhss 9.2 10 9.2 9.2 7.4 1010 6.66.6.66 5.75.75.7 7.4 7.4 2.4 5 55 2.4 0 00 MiMirrnyMirnnyy NovNovoolazNovolazlazBeBellinllingsBegsllinProgsPrgogresressPrsogVorVoestssotkok

(f-favg)/σf -0.1 -0.6 0.7 -1.2

PrePrPrececcipitipipitaitatatiioionon,n, ,m mmm

100 10100 0 67 67 67 44.44444 .4.4 50 13.8 13.8 50 1.31.31.3 13.8 3.43.4 00 0 MiMirrnMiyrnny NovNolovNazoolvazolazBellBingsellinBellinggs ProgrPsresogsressProVgosrVetooskssttok

f/favg 1.5 0.1 0.9 1.5

MeMeManeanan w windwinindd ssspppeeeedd,d, ,m m /ms/s/s

11.7 152020 11.7 1010.5.510.5 6.6.88 6.8 6.6.44 6.4 1010 4.4.99 5 0 0 MMiriMrniyrnny NNovovolaolNazovolazz BelBellinlingsgsBellingPPrrogrsogesresssProVgVososretsotskok

(f-favg)/σf 0.6 -0.1 -0.4 -0.7 Fig.1.20. Comparison of monthly averages of meteorological parameters at the stations. March 2004.

2. METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN JANUARY-MARCH 2004

Fig. 2.1 characterizes the temperature conditions in January-March 2004 at the Antarctic continent. It presents monthly averages and absolute and normalized surface temperature anomalies at the Russian and non-Russian meteorological stations. The actual data of the Russian Antarctic Expedition contained in /1/ were used for the Russian Antarctic stations and data contained in /2, 3/ were used for the foreign stations. The multiyear averages for the period 1961-1990 were adopted from /4/. In January-February compared to December there was a decrease and in March an increase of the number of stations with the below zero mean monthly air temperature anomalies (Fig. 2.1). In January, small (about 1 σ and less) below zero temperature anomalies were preserved in the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula near Bellingshausen station (-0.2оС (-0.4 σ)), at the east coast of the Weddell Sea – at Halley station (-0.6оС (-0.7 σ)), and also at the Indian Ocean coast of East Antarctica near Casey station (-1.0оС (-1.1 σ)). In February, the significant above zero air temperature anomalies were recorded at the Indian Ocean coast of East Antarctica. At Davis and Mirny stations, the anomalies comprised 2.0оС (2.2 σ) and 2.2оС (2.1 σ), respectively. The mean monthly air temperature at these stations was -0.7оС and -3.0оС, respectively, and was second in the rank of warm years beginning from 1958. The highest mean monthly temperatures for February at these stations were observed at Davis station in 2002 (0.1оС, 2.8 σ), and at Mirny station in 1986 (-1.4 оС, -3.5 σ). In March, the below zero temperature anomalies spread to the central part of the mainland, to the coastal areas of East (Wilkes Land, Victoria Land) and West Antarctica (Queen Maud Land). The main cold center was located in the Victoria Land area. Here at McMurdo station, the temperature anomaly was -3.4°С (-1.2 σ). In March after a break, the inland Vostok station resumed its operation. The mean monthly air temperature in March at the station was slightly higher than a multiyear average and comprised -57.2оС. The statistically significant linear trends of long-period changes of mean monthly temperature in these months are detected only at Bellingshausen and Novolazarevskaya stations (Figs.2.2-2.4). The air temperature increase at Bellingshausen station for January and February comprised 1.0 and 0.9°С/36 years and for March -0.8оС/37 years (Table 2.1). At Novolazarevskaya station, the air temperature increase for February was 0.9°С/44 years. During the last decade a statistically significant linear temperature trend is observed for January at all Russian stations. The trend value at Novolazarevskaya and Mirny stations comprises 1.2 and 2.1оС/10 years, respectively. At the same time in the vicinity of Bellingshausen station in the north of the Antarctic Peninsula, a negative trend of mean monthly temperature (-1.1оС/10 years) is recorded. The atmospheric pressure at the Russian stations was characterized by negative anomalies in January and March and by predominantly positive anomalies in February. The largest anomalies were observed at Mirny station in January (-10.3 hPa (-2.1 σ)) and at Bellingshausen station in February (8.5 hPa (3.5 σ)). Such significant anomalies for the indicated months were observed at these stations for the first time. The trends of long-period air pressure changes for January are statistically significant at all Russian stations and for February – at Mirny and Novolazarevskaya stations. The trend sign at Novolazarevskaya and Mirny stations is negative (Figs.2.2-2.4). At Bellingshausen station, it is negative for January (-7.3 hPa over the period beginning from 1968) and positive for February and March. The quantity of precipitation at Bellingshausen and Mirny stations in January and March was around a multiyear average and in February – less than a multiyear average. At Novolazarevskaya station, no precipitation was practically recorded in January and March (probably due to blowing out at strong winds), while in February, more than 10 monthly multiyear averages were recorded.

Table 2.1 Linear trend parameters of mean monthly surface air temperature

Stations, Parameter I II III I II III Operation period Entire observation period 1995-2004 Novolazarevskaya оС/10 0.18 0.20 0.19 1.24 -0.05 0.69 years 1961-2004 % 24.8 27.5 21.9 58.3 2.0 15.4 Р - 90 - 90 - - Mirny оС/10 -0.06 0.06 0.01 2.12 2.47 1.58 years 1957-2004 % 9.4 7.5 0.0 76.0 57.3 36.5 Р - - - 90 90 - Vostok оС/10 - - -0.12 - - 1.67 years 1957-2004 % - - 7.1 - - 28.3 Р ------Bellingshausen оС/10 0.29 0.25 0.21 -1.07 -0.65 -1.02 years 1968-2004 % 49.9 41.9 27.0 62.3 33.4 40.1 Р 99 99 90 95 - -

Note: First line is the linear trend coefficient; Second line is the dispersion explained by the linear trend; Third line – P=1- а, where а is the level of significance (given if P exceeds 90%).

References: 1. http://www.aari.nw.ru/projects/Antarctic 2. http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/ol/climate/climatedata.html 3. http://www.nerc-bas.ac.uk/public/icd/metlog/jones_and_limbert.html 4. Atlas of the Oceans. The Southern Ocean. RF MD (in press)

Fig.2.1. Mean monthly surface air temperatures (1), their absolute (2) and normalized (3) anomalies in January (I), February (II) and March (III) 2004 from data of stationary meteorological stations in the South polar area

Fig. 2.2. International variations of temperature and atmospheric pressure anomalies at the Russian Antarctic stations. January. 45

Fig. 2.3. International variations of temperature and atmospheric pressure anomalies at the Russian Antarctic stations. February. 46

Fig. 2.4. International variations of temperature and atmospheric pressure anomalies at the Russian Antarctic stations. March. 47 3. REVIEW OF ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES ABOVE THE ANTARCTIC IN JANUARY-MARCH 2004

In January, a tendency for a decrease of the frequency of occurrence of the zonal circulation form was preserved, and its anomaly in this month was -6 days, which can be assessed as a large anomaly (Table 3.1). Such situation was also observed in February and March at the anomaly of zonality of -5 days and -4 days, respectively.

Table 3.1 Frequency of occurrence of the atmospheric circulation forms in the Southern Hemisphere and their anomalies in January – March 2004

Month Frequency of occurrence (days) Anomaly (days) Z Ma Mb Z Ma Mb January 8 15 8 -6 4 2 February 9 11 9 -5 3 3 March 11 15 5 -4 5 -1

In January, the development of the circulatory macro-processes resulted in frequent exits of cyclones to the shores of Antarctica along the periphery of high pressure ridges directed towards the Antarctic. Centers of negative mean monthly pressure anomalies above the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica were formed until meridian 100° E. The two major negative centers were located at meridians 60° W and 10° E. An exit of an extensive cyclone to the vicinity of Lazarev and Riiser-Larsen Seas where it persisted should be noted. Under the influence of this cyclone a wind of 25-27 m/s with gusts up to 33 m/s was observed at Novolazarevskaya station, which is an unusual phenomenon for January. The temperature regime above the Weddell Sea and East Antarctica was characterized by positive anomalies. Only above the Antarctic Peninsula, the southwestern Weddell Sea and the regions east of 110° E, small below zero anomalies of mean monthly air temperature were observed. In February, the cyclonic activity above the coastal areas of East Antarctica was also enhanced. The field of mean monthly pressure anomalies had a pronounced meridional character. The blocking ridges of anticyclones were observed at meridians of South America and Madagascar. As a result of increased interlatitudinal exchange, there was a warm air inflow towards the shores of Antarctica, and anomalies of mean monthly air temperature in February above the coastal areas of East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea comprised +1°С and +2°С. In the middle of the month, the autumn stratospheric pattern modification began. In March, when the final modification of atmospheric processes from summer to autumn-winter usually occurs, the intensity of the circulation atmospheric processes remained low like in summer. This year one can note a more active cyclogenesis in the Falkland, Central Atlantic and Madagascar branches of cyclonic trajectories leading to the formation of the centers of negative pressure anomalies above the Antarctic Seas with minimums above the Lazarev and Mawson Seas. According to data of upper-air sounding at Novolazarevskaya station, the autumn stratospheric modification ended in March with the speeds of west flows in the 15-30 km layer achieving their usual values for this time.

48 4. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ICE PROCESSES IN THE SOUTHERN OCEAN FROM DATA OF SATELLITE AND COASTAL OBSERVATIONS AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN JANUARY-MARCH 2004

The antarctic summer of 2004 was almost an exact copy of the last year summer season /1/. This is in itself an unordinary peculiarity. The Balleny ice massif occupied again the westernmost position being closely pressed against a meridionally oriented iceberg tongue of the Ninnis glacier (148oE). In its northern part, it reached parallel 65. The Pacific Ocean ice massif was also displaced far westward to the Ross Sea while its northern boundary over its entire length was stably located near 70o S. In February – March, there was a complete disappearance of close ice in the Bellingshausen Sea, and in the Amundsen Sea, the massif core was concentrated in the vicinity of the Thurston Peninsula between 95-115o W. In addition, an increased development of the so-called “double” polynya (on both sides from the giant landfast ice peninsula on the basis of the Thwaites glacier protrusion) and a simultaneous preservation of unbroken landfast ice in the Pine-Island Bay, which is usually cleared up of ice annually, were observed. The Atlantic ice massif was again distinguished by the extremely increased sizes being concentrated predominantly westward of 40o W along the entire Antarctic Peninsula and elongating anomalously far northward up to parallel 62 at longitude 50o W. (Table 4.1). There was also noted a rarely observed preservation of the coastal residual ice belt to the east of the massif in the rest of the Atlantic massif sector between 40oW. - 20oE almost during the entire summer. At the same time the maximum possible total ice clearance of the seas occurred in the Indian sector similar to the last year. Spreading of ice here was everywhere around a multiyear average (Table 4.1). The Cosmonauts Sea was distinguished by the decreased ice extent. As a result, the landfast ice breakup here took place rather early. Thus, in the area of the suspended Molodezhnaya station in Alasheyev Bay it occurred approximately in mid-February (unlike mid- March according to mean multiyear data). However, the major regional peculiarity of the given summer period was obviously an extremely early breakup of landfast ice at the roadstead of Mirny – on December 20, 2003 (Table 4.2). Such early breakup in the second half of December over almost half a century history of the Observatory was recorded only for the fifth time. In late February – first half of March, new autumn ice formation began in the coastal zone everywhere, having at first a weak unstable character. In the second half of March, its intensity sharply increased. As a result a usual reconstruction of the solid circumpolar ice belt occurred by the end of the month, except for the Pacific Ocean coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

References:

1. Quarterly Bulletin “State of Antarctic Environment. Operational data of Russian Antarctic stations. January – March”, No. 1 (24), 2003, Review 4, p.37.

Table 4.1 Average latitudinal location of the external northern drifting ice belt edge in the Southern Ocean based on satellite data received at Bellingshausen, Novolazarevskaya and Mirny stations in February 2004

Meridians Actual Multiyear average 1300 W 70.1 70.5 1200 71.1 70.4 1100 70.8 70.6 1000 70.5 70.4 900 70.8 69.6 800 71.0 70.0 700 69.0 68.3 600 64.21 64.21 500 61.7 65.3 400 63.8 69.3 300 74.3 73.1 200 71.7 72.5 100 W 69.8 70.4 00 69.4 69.3 100 E 69.5 69.3 200 69.1 69.1 300 69.2 68.5 400 68.5 67.8 500 66.5 66.3 600 66.8 66.8 700 67.3 67.3 800 65.4 66.0 900 65.2 65.5 1000 64.3 64.4 1100 65.2 65.4 1200 65.3 65.6 1300 E 65.8 65.4

Note: 1 – Clear, ice is absent, instead of the ice edge position, the latitude of the Antarctic coast point at the place of its intersection by the corresponding meridian is presented.

Table 4.2 Dates of the main ice phases in the areas of Russian Antarctic stations in January-March 2004

Station Landfast ice breakup Ice clearance Ice formation (water body) Start End First Final First Stable Mirny Actual 13.11. 20.12.2003 14.02 NO1 12.03 16.03 2003 (roadstead) Multiyear 23.12 05.02 12.02 NO 11.03 12.03 average Progress Actual 14.12. 13.01 10.02 NO 04.03 10.03 2003 (Vostochnaya Bay) Multiyear 30.12 13.01 NO NO 16.02 17.02 average Bellingshausen From October 28, 2003 — CLEAR (Ardley Bay)

Note: 1 - Phenomenon not observed (not occurred).

50 5. RESULTS OF TOTAL OZONE MEASUREMENTS AT THE RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004

Regular total ozone measurements during the first quarter continued at Mirny and Novolazarevskaya stations, being resumed from 7 February at Vostok station. The results are presented in Fig. 5.1. It follows from the figure that the TO level in Mirny was sufficiently stable. The amplitude of oscillations was from 264 Dobson units (19 January, 18 February) to 324 Dobson units (28 March). At Novolazarevskaya station, the ozone level varied from 231 Dobson units (13 March) to 325 Dobson units (17 February), and at Vostok station – from 256 Dobson units (25 March) to 328 Dobson units (1 March). More significant from day-to-day oscillations than in the preceding two months of the quarter were observed in March at Novolazarevskaya and Vostok stations. The mean monthly TO values in Mirny in January - March were slightly less than the averages calculated over the entire observation period and less than the mean monthly values of the preceding year /1/. In the current year, the mean monthly TO in January was 294 Dobson units, in February - 281 Dobson units and in March - 300 Dobson units. At the same time the mean monthly TO values at Novolazarevskaya were higher compared to the last year /1/ comprising 291 Dobson units in January, 297 Dobson units in February, and 275 Dobson units in March. At Vostok station, the mean monthly TO value in February was 286 Dobson units and in March - 289 Dobson units.

360 340

340 320

320 300 ) U 300 D ( 280

e n o 280 z o l 260 a t 260

To 240 240 1 2 220 3 220

200 200 1.1 11.1 21.1 31.1 10.2 20.2 1.3 11.3 21.3 31.3

Date Fig. 5.1. Mean daily total ozone values at Mirny (1), Novolazarevskaya (2) and Восток (3) stations in the first quarter of 2004.

References: 1. Quarterly Bulletin “State of Antarctic Environment. Operational data of Russian Antarctic stations”, January-March, No. 1 (22), 2003, Review 5, p.39.

6. GEOPHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS AT RUSSIAN ANTARCTIC STATIONS IN JANUARY-MARCH 2004

DATA OF CURRENT OBSERVATIONS

MIRNY OBSERVATORY

Mean monthly absolute geomagnetic field values

January February March Declination 86º57.8´W 87º00.5´W 86º59.5´W Horizontal component 13912 nT 13933 nT 13896 nT Vertical component -57514 nT -57553 nT -57597 nT

Mirny, January 2004

6 dB

, x

ma 4 A

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Mirny, February 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 A

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Mirny, March 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 A

0 1 3 5 7 9 1113151719212325272931

Fig. 6.1. Maximum daily space radio-emission absorption at the 32 MHz frequency from riometer observations in Mirny Observatory. 52

Mirny, January 2004

9.6

Hz 7.2 00UT М

2 12UT F 4.8 f0

2.4

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Mirny, February 2004

9.6

Hz 7.2 00UT М

2 12UT F 4.8 f0

2.4

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Mirny, March 2004

9.6

Hz 7.2 00UT М

2 12UT F 4.8 f0

2.4

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Fig. 6.2. Daily variations of critical frequencies of the F2 (f0F2) layer in Mirny Observatory.

NOVOLAZAREVSKAYA STATION

Mean monthly absolute geomagnetic field values

January February March Declination 26º52.41´W 26º52.16´W 26º54.54´W Horizontal component 18591.5 nT 18563.5 nT 18558.25 nT Vertical component -35121 nT -35093.25 nT -35080.75 nT

Novolazarevskaya , January 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 А

0 135791113151719212325272931

Novolazarevskaya, February 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 А

0 135791113151719212325272931

Novolazarevskaya, March 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 А

0 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 29 31

Fig. 6.3. Maximum daily space radio-emission absorption at the 32 MHz frequency from riometer observations at Novolazarevskaya station.

VOSTOK STATION

Mean monthly absolute geomagnetic field values

January February March Declination 121º54.50´W 121º26.02´W 121º19.36´W Horizontal component 13437 nТ 13564.67 nТ 1348.83 nТ Vertical component -58219 nТ -58102.83 nТ -58079 nТ

Vostok, February 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 А

0 1357911131517192123252729

Vostok, March 2004

B 6 , d x

ma 4 А

0 1 3 5 7 9 1113151719212325272931

Fig. 6.3. Maximum daily space radio-emission absorption at the 32 MHz frequency from riometer observations at Vostok station. 55

PC-INDEX Vostok February, 2004 date

01 16

02 17

03 18

04 19

05 20

06 21

07 22

08 23

09 24

10 25

11 26

12 27

13 28

14 29

15 30

00 04 08 12 16 20 24 00 04 08 12 16 20 24 15 UT UT

0 Arctic & Antarctic Research Institute

Fig. 6.5. 56

PC-INDEX Vostok March, 2004 date

01 16

02 17

03 18

04 19

05 20

06 21

07 22

08 23

09 24

10 25

11 26

12 27

13 28

14 29

15 30

00 04 08 12 16 20 24 00 04 08 12 16 20 24 15 UT UT

0 Arctic & Antarctic Research Institute

Fig. 6.6.

Review of the geomagnetic field and ionosphere state above the Antarctic in the first quarter of 2004

At the beginning of 2004 practically the entire complex of geophysical observations was resumed at Vostok station. The vertical sounding of the ionosphere was stopped temporarily due to technical causes. At Novolazarevskaya and Mirny stations, the geomagnetic and riometer observations were continued. The vertical sounding of the ionosphere is carried out at present only in Mirny observatory. Based on Vostok station data, the calculation of the РС-index of magnetic activity is carried out in real time. These data are published at the AARI site in the section GEOPHYSICAL DATA. http://www.aari.nw.ru/clgmi/geophys/index_ru.htm

The first quarter of 2004 was relatively magnetically quiet. Moderate magnetic storms were observed on 19 January, 11-12 February, 1 March, 9 – 14 March and 27 March. No PCA phenomena determined by the intrusion of solar high-energy protons were observed. Some perturbations were accompanied by intrusions of energy (>20keV) electrons, causing absorption of radio-waves in the ionosphere recorded by riometers of Mirny Observatory on 12, 14 and 15 February, 27-29 February, 10-12 March and 27-29 March. During these periods, the absorption at the 32 MHz frequency was greater than 1 dB.

58 7. WORKING MEETING OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC RESEARCH ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCAR READER PROJECT

On February 9-11, 2004, the AARI hosted the annual meeting of experts on generating the Antarctic climate database in the framework of the SCAR READER Project. Data of the year-round research stations and automatic meteorological stations over the entire period of instrumental observations in Antarctica serve as a primary source of hydrometeorological information for project implementation. Surface meteorological and upper-air data of all countries-operators in the Antarctic are used for calculation of mean monthly and mean annual statistics of surface temperature, pressure and wind speed values as well as air temperature and humidity, geopotential and wind vector at standard isobaric surfaces. During data archive generation, special attention is given to the issues of completeness of initial data, quality control and formation of the comprehensive description of parameters of the observation systems. The working meeting considered the results of work in 2003 and outlined the plans for further joint studies oriented to creating the calculation technologies and the information resources for obtaining reliable estimates of the actual state of the Antarctic environment. Twelve presentations of Russian and ten presentations of specialists from other countries were made and discussed. During general discussion, it was proposed to prepare a new joint project within the framework of the WMO CliC (Climate and Cryosphere) Program on the study of three centers of greatest warming at high latitudes (Antarctic Peninsula, northeast of Alaska and Siberia) on the basis of high quality climatic archives similar to the data archive of the SCAR READER Project. As a result of discussion of the scientific presentations, the participants to the working meeting on the SCAR READER Project have come to a conclusion about the high efficiency of international cooperation for generation of the regional meteorological and upper-air archives of the Antarctic that allowed obtaining reliable estimates of the climatic trends of temperature, pressure and wind speed in the surface layer and the free atmosphere. The preliminary results of work under the SCAR READER Project are accepted for publishing in the Journal of Climate and International Journal of Climatology. The program of further studies includes a comparative analysis of the methods for control of quality of surface and upper-air measurements, testing of time series of hydrometeorological characteristics for uniformity, supplement of the archive of upper-air data at isobaric surfaces with information on special points and comparison of the tendencies of climatic changes in the southern and northern polar areas based on the methodological approach elaborated in the SCAR READER Project.

59 8. MAIN RAE EVENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2004

In the current quarter, the RAE activity included two main directions: A) Undertaking a complex of seasonal operations and scientific observations in the framework of the 49th seasonal expedition at the Antarctic Vostok, Progress, Novolazarevskaya and Bellingshausen stations and the seasonal base Druzhnaya-4, and onboard the research expedition vessel “Akademik Fedorov” and the RV “Akademik Aleksander Karpinsky”; B) Completing a complex of wintering activities under the program of the 48th RAE at the year-round stations and their transfer to the wintering team of the next 49th RAE.

А. Seasonal activities and studies

The RV “Akademik Fedorov” carried out cargo operations during January 1 to 5, 2004 at the roadstead of Mirny station. As a result, provision of Mirny and Vostok stations with fuel and technical supplies for the forthcoming wintering-over was completed; During January 8 to 23, the ship carried out a large complex of work in the Prydz Bay area: - seasonal geological-geophysical field work began during the use of field base Druzhnaya-4 (34 people, 1 helicopter Mi-8 and 1 aircraft АN-2), and of two field camps in the vicinity of Prince Charles Mountains and in the area of Lake Radok; - 600 t of construction structures was delivered to Progress station to begin construction of the first line of the new wintering complex; - During the period January 24 to 28, oceanographic studies in the southwestern Commonwealth Sea were carried out (28 stations were made at transects along meridians 70°, 71° and 72° E); after visiting the temporarily closed Molodezhnaya station (30-31.01.04), where a seasonal team was left, the ship made transit to the area of Novolazarevskaya station (5-8.02.04), and then after completing all planned work of the first stage of the 49th RAE, it departed the Antarctic to Cape Town port for resupply; - On February 21, 2004, the “Akademik Fedorov” departed Cape Town beginning the second stage of work under the 49th RAE program. During the period February 28 to March 1, the ship provided for completion of seasonal nature protection activities at the temporarily closed Molodezhnaya station. During the period March 3 to 6, the en-route oceanographic studies in the western Prydz Bay (69° E) were completed, after which during the period March 7 to 17, cargo-passenger operations were fulfilled in the vicinity of Progress station (rotation of the wintering personnel and completion of seasonal construction work), and also in the area of field seasonal base Druzhnaya-4 (completion of work and evacuation of the seasonal team). During the period March 20 to 23, the ship carried out cargo-passenger operations at the roadstead of Mirny station and headed to the area of Novolazarevskaya station to complete the Antarctic operations.

The RV “Akademik Aleksander Karpinsky” started operation in the Antarctic under the program of the 49th RAE on January 8, 2004 departing the Cape Town port and heading to the Riiser-Larsen Sea area. From January 19 to 30, the ship started planned geophysical surveys here after which from February 12 to March 15, it operated in the Davis Sea area. Upon completing the program of the 49th RAE, the ship departed the Antarctic and on April 2, it arrived to Cape Town.

Seasonal operations at Vostok station - On December 30, 2003 a sledge-caterpillar traverse arrived to Vostok station from Mirny station in order to reopen the station after its being temporarily closing down in February 2003. In addition to mechanic-drivers, personnel of Vostok station, who participated in its suspension, also arrived with the traverse providing for a sufficiently rapid recommencement of functioning of all services and laboratories. In January, a complex of geophysical observations was resumed. Meteorological observations in the full volume began in March 2004; - On January 11, 2004, the second sledge-caterpillar traverse (SCT-2) departed from Mirny to Vostok station in order to deliver wintering personnel, conduct seasonal activities and also supply the station with all, which is necessary for operation of the 49th RAE; - On February 6, C-130 aircraft of the US Antarctic Program landed at Vostok station on the RAE request for the purpose of urgent evacuation of the sick station physician who was among the SCT group; The SCT-2 arrived to Vostok station; the airplane successfully evacuated the sick person and delivered fresh products to the station; During the period February 6 to 19, the scientific traverse that separated from SCT-2 carried out planned remote sensing studies of sub-glacial Lake Vostok; radio-echo profiling of the lake boundaries was performed with a total route comprising 848 km; - On February 19, SCT-1, SCT-2 and the scientific traverse combined at the route and continued the return motion towards Mirny Observatory; 60

- On March 21, participants of all traverses returned to Mirny Observatory, which was the end of the seasonal period of work connected with Vostok station. At Progress station In January 2004, construction-assembling works started to build the first line of the new withering complex. A team of constructors began building the foundations for the complex of the diesel-electric power station-garage (DES- garage), helipad and the base of combustive-lubricating materials; In February, standard meteorological observations began at the station. At the Russian Antarctic Bellingshausen station On February 14, construction of the orthodox temple was completed. A ceremonial consecration of the church was performed by a group of priests headed by the Bishop of Sergiev Posad Feognost, Deputy of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra. As agreed with the US Antarctic Program, aircraft mechanics of the Omsk Association “Polet” arrived to Amundsen-Scott station in February 2004 to examine the wrecked Russian aircraft АN-3Т left by the non-governmental expedition in January 2002. In the course of the work, technical fluids and oils were drained from the airplane and the technical possibilities of the subsequent evacuation of the airplane during the 2004-2005 season were agreed upon. .

In January-February 2004, the Interagency Inspection Group which included representatives of Roshydromet, Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, Minpromnauka of Russia, Russian Academy of Science, Government Establishment and State Duma of Russia were acquainted with the operation of Russian Antarctic stations. The Inspection Group was also acquainted with operation of the RV “Akademik Fedorov” and also of the Antarctic stations of India, South Africa and Norway. The transportation support for the work of the Inspection Group was provided within the framework of the international aviation Antarctic network “DROMLAN”. B. Rotation of personnel of the wintering stations

- Mirny station was transferred on March 23, 2004 by the team of the 48th RAE (Head of the observatory and wintering personnel А.V. Popov) to the team of the 49th RAE (Head of the observatory L.N. Matveyevich). For wintering-over of the 49th RAE, 34 people were left. On March 22, there was a tragic accident at the station – a fire occurred in the transport hut resulting in a death of E.S. Nikolayev from the staff of the 48th RAE. The deceased slept in the hut and was probably poisoned by combustion products. - Vostok station was transferred by the team of the 48th RAE (Head of the station V.Yu. Veledin) to the 49th RAE (Head of the station А.V.Kondratyev) on February 8, 2004. Twelve people remained for wintering-over. - Novolazarevskaya station was transferred to the 49th RAE as early as in November 2003 (V.M. Venderovich headed the station and the entire wintering personnel of the 49th RAE). However, a complete rotation of personnel of Novolazarevskaya station was finished only in April 2004. For wintering, 24 people remained. - Progress station was transferred by the team of the 48th RAE (Head of the station S.R. Borzenkov) to the team of the 49th RAE (Head of the station А.А. Nikolayev) on January 11, 2004. - Bellingshausen station was transferred by the team of the 48th RAE (Head of the station V.I. Geller) to the team of the 49th RAE (Head of the station - О.S. Sakharov) on January 1, 2004. However, until March 15, both teams and the seasonal personnel continued work at the station. Nine people remained for wintering-over here including the priest servicing the church.

Fig. 8.1. After 9 months of temporary closing-down, the Vostok station has to be first dug out.

Fig.8.2. During the seasonal period 2003-2004, the airfield of Novolazarevskaya station received 8 flights of IL-76 type aircraft in the framework of the international aviation network “DROMLAN”.

Fig.8.3. Participants of the Russian Inspection Group are getting acquainted with SANAE station (South Africa).

Fig.8.4. Ceremony of consecration of the temple at Bellingshausen station.