Antarctic Record (Mar 2015)

Automatic Weather Station (AWS) Program operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison during the 2012-2013 field season: Challenges and Successes

  • Matthew A. Lazzara,
  • Lee J. Welhouse,
  • David E. Mikolajczyk,
  • Maria Tsukernik,
  • Jonathan E. Thom,
  • Linda M. Keller,
  • George A. Weidner,
  • Joseph Snarski,
  • John J. Cassano,
  • Lars Kalnajs

DOI
https://doi.org/10.15094/00010749
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 59, no. 1
pp. 73 – 86

Abstract

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This report reviews 2012-2013 field season activities of the University of Wisconsin-Madison＇s Antarctic Automatic Weather Station (AWS) program, summarizes the science that these sites are supporting, and outlines the factors that impact the number of AWS sites serviced in any given field season. The 2012-2013 austral summer season was unusual in the AWS network history. Challenges encountered include, but are not limited to, warmer than normal conditions in the Ross Island area impacting airfield operations, changes to logistical procedures, and competition for shared resources. A flexible work plan provides the best means for taking on these challenges while maximizing AWS servicing efforts under restricted conditions and meeting the need for routine servicing that maintaining an autonomous observing network demands.