Cloud Mass Meridional Transport (CMMT) Events
Synoptic and Mesoscale Storms in the Southern Ocean and their Impact on the Cryosphere
This project aims to investigate the controlling mechanisms of cycospheric variability in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The main goal of the research is to advance the understanding of atmospheric processes responsible for the characteristics of Southern Ocean synoptic and mesoscale cyclones that most influence the evolution of the cryosphere. In particular, the focus will be on the dynamic processes that drive sea ice changes and will better quantify the poleward moisture transport which is critical for the maintenance of the Antarctic mass sheet mass balance
May 2009 water vapor composite satellite loop illustrating CMMT events both over West Antarctica and over Enderby Land. Note the continual poleward propagation of the cloud masses, represented through the water vapor channel.
What is a Cloud Mass Meridional Transport Event?
Definition (Staude et al., 2004): An event in which a cloud
mass travels from an oceanic region perpendicularly onto the
continent, lasting at least 48 consecutive hours.
Guidelines for Counting CMMT Events:
Example CMMT event (Video)
Antarctic Regions:
Sector Name
Color
Longitudinal Bounds
Marie Byrd Land
Orange
120W - 150W
Ellsworth Land
Yellow
75W - 120W
Queen Maud Land
Green
30E - 30W
Enderby Land
Blue
75E - 30E
Queen Mary Coast
Gold
120E - 80E
Wilkes Land
Purple
150E - 120E
Victoria Land
Sky Blue
70W - 165W