Vertical profiles of atmospheric variables based on tethersonde soundings from Hornsund

Abstract

Arctic fjords are usually surrounded by a complex orography of mountains, valleys and glaciers, which complicates the dynamics of the air flow. Between different fjords in Svalbard temperature and wind regime can vary largely in space. Due to the combined effects of the complex orography and thermal heterogeneity of the fjord surface, the dynamic and thermodynamic processes affecting the state of the ABL are complex. Although several studies have addressed boundary-layer and mesoscale processes in the Svalbard region, there is still lack of thorough observational analysis on temperature and humidity inversions and low-level jets, based on an extensive dataset. The major challenges still remain in understanding several features in the stable boundary layer (SBL). The fieldwork campaign in Hornsund (Svalbard archipelago) was part of the project focusing on a vertical structure of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and its possible changes in the Polar regions. Our study is motivated to better understand the ABL structure over fjords. There is need to improve numerical weather prediction and climate models and to improve the forecasting capabilities on near-surface weather. Gathering more in situ data would allow us to rise quality of analyses of ABL characteristics and aim better on these goals. Dataset consist 52 vertical profiles from tethersonde soundings. These soundings were carried out on a regular basis in Polish Polar Station in Hornsund between 7 October and 1 November 2014.