Analysis of blizzard cases in January 2013 observed at the King Sejong Station, Antarctic Peninsula

Abstract

In 2013, strong wind was observed more frequently than before at the King Sejong Station located on King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula. We investigated strong blizzard case observed in January 2013 to understand underlying conditions and to tell if it is linked with changing climate in Antarctica. For that purpose, we ran Polar WRF V3.3.1 to simulate weather condition. Polar WRF has reasonably well reproduced the strong wind case. Besides, we found that a blocking system was existed east of south-America. Blocking system in southern hemisphere seems to affect the variation of Antarctic low pressure systems. We speculate that interannual variation of sea ice extent around the Antarctica would be one of important factors influencing pressure systems and blocking system. We will present our model results and linkage with blocking index.