Boundary layer physics over snow and ice

P. S. Anderson (1) , W. D. Neff (2)

1 BAS - British Antarctic Survey
2 ESRL - NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory

A general understanding of the physics of advection and turbulent mixing within the near surface atmosphere assists the interpretation and predictive power of air chemistry theory. The theory of the physical processes involved in diffusion of trace gas reactants in the near surface atmosphere is still incomplete. Such boundary layer theory is least understood over snow and ice covered surfaces, due in part to the thermo-optical properties of the surface. Polar boundary layers have additional aspects to consider, due to the possibility of long periods without diurnal forcing and enhanced Coriolis effects.

This paper provides a review of present concepts in polar boundary layer meteorology, which will generally apply to atmospheric flow over snow and ice surfaces. It forms a companion paper to the chemistry review papers in this special issue of ACP.

Domaines: Océan, Atmosphère

P. S. Anderson, W. D. Neff. Boundary layer physics over snow and ice. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions, 2007, 7 (3), pp.7625-7677. ⟨hal-00302840⟩