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Formation of the Terra Nova Bay polynya and climatic implications

Research project A3/10/001 (Research action A3)

Persons :

  • Prof. dr.  BERGER André - Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain)
    Financed belgian partner
    Duration: 1/8/1992-30/9/1996

Description :

THEME

Modelling of interactive relations between the ice cap, the atmosphere and the ocean in the Terra Nova region, in association with the Antarctic climate. To this end, simulating the katabatic wind generated above the ice cap and simulation of the formation of the polynya (area of ice-free sea) forced by the wind in Terra Nova Bay.

OBJECTIVES

- To achieve a better understanding of the processes favouring energy exchanges between ocean and atmosphere in the Antarctic coastal area on a seasonal basis.

- To study and model the physical processes generated by these energy exchanges and, in particular, the formation of sea ice and the release of salt into the ocean under the effect of the katabatic wind.

- To quantify the impact of these processes on the formation of deep waters in the Southern Ocean and to determine their significance for the evolution of the climate.