The Aleutian Low‐Beaufort Sea Anticyclone: A Climate Index Correlated With the Timing of Springtime Melt in the Pacific Arctic Cryosphere
[1];
[3];
[4];
[1]
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences Boulder CO USA, NOAA Physical Sciences Division Boulder CO USA, University of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Science and Technology Corporation Boulder CO USA, Retired, NOAA Global Monitoring Division Boulder CO USA
- U.S. Geological Survey Alaska Science Center Juneau AK USA
- NOAA Global Monitoring Division Boulder CO USA
Early and late extremes in the timing of snowmelt have recently been observed in the Pacific Arctic. Subseasonal–to–seasonal forecasts of this timing are important for industry, environmental management, and Arctic communities. In northern Alaska, the timing is influenced by the advection of marine air from the north Pacific by the Aleutian Low, modulated by high pressure centered in the Beaufort Sea. A new climate index that integrates their interaction could advance melt predictions. We define this index based on 850–hPa geopotential height at four fixed locations and refer to it as the Aleutian Low–Beaufort Sea Anticyclone (ALBSA). During positive ALBSA in May, advection of +0.5–1.5 K/day is observed through the Bering Strait. ALBSA is correlated with both snowmelt in northern Alaska and the onset of sea ice melt over the adjacent seas. ALBSA therefore may be suitable for monitoring the relevant circulation patterns and for developing predictive tools.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- SC0013306
- OSTI ID:
- 1560208
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1560209; OSTI ID: 1611973
- Journal Information:
- Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Vol. 46 Journal Issue: 13; ISSN 0094-8276
- Publisher:
- American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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