An observational and numerical study of the atmospheric boundary layer overlying the east Antarctic ice sheet

This thesis presents an observational and numerical study of the lowest few hundred meters of the atmosphere overlying the East Antarctic ice sheet. In the past, the harsh environment of Antarctica limited any detailed studies of the boundary layer to the lowest few tens of meters. In particular, full use could not be made of the research site at Amundsen-Scott station which is characterized by a remarkable surface uniformity and slope, the lack of an insolation cycle, and an almost continuous loss of heat through radiation to space. Acoustic remote sensing devices overcame these limitations, providing added insight into the structure and evolution of this stable atmospheric boundary layer.