Visibility Climatology of McMurdo Sound/Williams Field, Antarctica

摘要

Accurate forecasting of visibility at McMurdo/Williams Field, Antarctica is essential for the air operations involving the resupply of United States bases and the conduct of research on the Antarctic continent. McMurdo, located at 77 deg 51' S 155 deg 40' E, receives all supplies destined for use by the United States Antarctic Research Program scientists. The Williams Field skiway and the adjacent ice runway are approximately 4.5 mi southeast of McMurdo. Weather observations are taken at both McMurdo and the operational airfield. The visibility climatology, August through March, for McMurdo (1956-1983) and Williams Field skiway/runway (1968-1983) was prepared using four operational visibility categories, as well as the seven important weather parameters which reduce visibility, namely, blowing snow, light snow, moderate to heavy snow, the three types of fog and ice crystals. A wind speed/direction climatology was also prepared because of its relation to both blowing snow and fog.