Analysis of stratospheric ozone and meteorological parameters observed at Bharati station, Larsemann hills, Antarctica during the 37~(th) Indian scientific expedition to Antarctica

摘要

India, along with South America, Africa, Antarctica and Australia, was part of the supercontinent Gondwana some 140 million years ago. When the supercontinent split, the Indian plate moved north-eastward while the Australian and African plates moved comparatively less distance and at much lower speeds. Antarctica remained almost stationary. The 37th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was the fourth wintering of India Meteorological Department (IMD) members at Bharati Station, Larsemann Hills, Antarctica. During the expedition, recording meteorological surface upper-air observations, vertical ozone measurement, continuous weather monitoring and forecasting were performed. All these meteorological parameters were thoroughly analyzed and studied. Temperature analysis showed that the coldest month was September and the warmest was January. Strong and persistent north-easterly near-surface winds were observed throughout the year, with May being the windiest month. During the period, nine number of blizzards spanning a period of 15 days were observed with a maximum wind gust of eighty knots during a blizzard on 5~(th) August, 2018. During the expedition, a total of 32 balloon-borne GPS-based ozonesonde ascents were taken and their analysis showed that the minimum thickness of ozone concentration is observed between 15~(th) September and 10~(th) October. Also, space weather, special meteorological phenomena and fauna found near Bharati station were observed and documented in this study.