Collaborative Research: Antarctic Automatic Weather Station Program

南极自动气象站(AWS)网络始建于1978年，是南极大陆上最广泛的气象观测系统，在许多关键站点已经进入第30个年头。作为一项长期观测记录，其主要焦点对测量南极大气的近地表气候学至关重要。AWS设备测量名义地表高度为3米的气温、气压、风速和风向。也可以采用其他参数，如相对湿度和积雪。AWS的观测数据是通过NOAA或MetOp极轨卫星上的分布式控制系统Argos收集的，从而通过全球电信系统(GTS)在全球范围内近乎实时地提供给业务天气预报员和天气预报员。AWS网络的地面观测也经常用于检查卫星和遥感观测，以及全球气候模型(GCM)的模拟。在该项目中使用AWS的研究实例包括南极大气气候学的持续发展和罗斯冰架的地面风研究。AWS的观测造福于更广泛的地球系统科学界，支持从古气候研究到企鹅物候的各种研究活动。

AbstractThe Antarctic Automatic Weather Station (AWS) network, first commenced in 1978, is the most extensive meteorological observing system on the Antarctic continent, approaching its 30th year at many of its key sites. Its prime focus as a long term observational record is vital to the measurement of the near surface climatology of the Antarctic atmosphere. AWS units measure air-temperature, pressure, wind speed and direction at a nominal surface height of 3m. Other parameters such as relative humidity and snow accumulation may also be taken. Observational data from the AWS are collected via the DCS Argos system aboard either NOAA or MetOp polar orbiting satellites and thus made available globally, in near real time via the GTS (Global Telecommunications System), to operational and synoptic weather forecasters. The surface observations from the AWS network also are often used to check on satellite and remote sensing observations, and the simulations of Global Climate Models (GCMs). Research instances of its use in this project include continued development of the climatology of the Antarctic atmosphere and surface wind studies of the Ross Ice Shelf.The AWS observations benefit the broader earth system science community, supporting research activities ranging from paleoclimate studies to penguin phenology.