Short description: Classification system for Antarctica weather
The weather in Antarctica can be highly variable, and weather conditions will oftentimes change dramatically in a short period of time. Weather conditions on the continent are classified in a number of ways, and restrictions placed upon workers and other staffs vary both by stations and by nations
McMurdo Station (USA)
Condition |
Criteria |
Example
|
Condition 3 / Normal Condition 3 |
Must meet all of the following criteria:
- Visibility is either greater than 1⁄4 mile (400 m), or it falls to 1⁄4 mile or less for less than one minute at a time
- Windspeed is either below 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph), or it reaches 48 knots or above for less than one minute at a time
- Air temperature and wind chill are either above −75 °F (−59 °C), or falls to −75 °F or below for less than one minute at a time
|
|
Condition 2 / Severe Condition 2 |
Must meet all of the following criteria:
- Visibility is either greater than or equal to 100 feet (30 m), or it falls below 100 feet for less than one minute at a time
- Windspeed is either less than or equal to 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph), or it exceeds 55 knots for less than one minute at a time
- Air temperature and wind chill are either −100 °F (−73 °C) or above, or falls below −100 °F for less than one minute at a time
And also must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Visibility is less than or equal to 1⁄4 mile (400 m), sustained for one minute or longer
- Windspeed greater than 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph), sustained for one minute or longer
- Air temperature and/or wind chill of −75 °F (−59 °C) or below, sustained for one minute or longer
|
|
Condition 1 / Severe Condition 1 |
Must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Visibility less than 100 feet (30 m), sustained for one minute or longer
- Windspeed over 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph), sustained for one minute or longer
- Air temperature and/or wind chill below −100 °F (−73 °C), sustained for one minute or longer
|
|
Sources: United States Antarctic Program - The Antarctic Sun, National Science Foundation - McMurdo Station Guide 2006 & Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctica Program
|
Scott Base (New Zealand)
Condition
|
Criteria
|
Weather Condition 3 |
Must meet all of the following criteria:
- Severe weather is possible within 24 to 48 hours
- Visibility is greater than 300 metres (980 ft)
- Wind less than or equal to 45 knots (83 km/h; 52 mph)
- Air temperature and wind chill are above −60 °C (−76 °F)
|
Weather Condition 2 |
Must meet all of the following criteria:
- Visibility is greater than 30 metres (98 ft)
- Windspeed is no greater than 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph)
- Air temperature and wind chill are no colder than −73 °C (−99 °F)
And also must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Visibility less than 300 metres (980 ft)
- Windspeed is greater than or equal to 48 knots (89 km/h; 55 mph)
- Air temperature and/or wind chill of −60 °C (−76 °F) or below
|
Weather Condition 1 |
Must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Visibility less than 30 metres (98 ft)
- Windspeed over 55 knots (102 km/h; 63 mph)
- Air temperature and/or wind chill are below −73 °C (−99 °F)
|
Sources: Antarctica New Zealand - Field Manual 2012-2013
|
| Original source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctica Weather Danger Classification. Read more |