The long-term variability of meteorological parameters at Maitri, East Antarctica station of India
摘要
Thirty years of Maitri, East Antarctic Station surface meteorological data have been analysed to develop a comprehensive climatology from the station's meteorological observations. Research in Polar meteorology is growing as it is recognized as an essential part of the Earth system for understanding climate change. Understanding the behaviour of the Antarctic climate system is crucial as it has important linkages within the context of present-day global environmental changes. In this paper, we have examined and measured meteorological parameters collected at Maitri station for the period 1991–2020. Analysis of the general 30-year climate is presented for temperature, pressure, wind speed, and wind direction, along with averages (means), extreme values, daily ranges, trends, and discontinuities. The long-term analysis of temperature and pressure shows a slight declining trend over the 1991–2020 time period. From 1991 to 2020, the frequency and intensity of West Antarctica extreme temperatures increased, while there was a slight decrease in east Antarctica, but this varies greatly across other regions of Antarctica.
Research highlightsComprehensive 30-year analysis (1991–2020) of surface meteorological parameters – temperature, pressure, and wind – was carried out using IMD observations from Maitri, East Antarctica. Cooling trend detected at Maitri, with annual mean temperature decreasing at –0.034°C/year, and even stronger declines in maximum and minimum temperatures. Pressure shows a slight but non-significant decline, with a trend of –0.005 hPa/year, consistent with broader high-latitude circulation changes. Wind speed exhibits a marginal decline (–0.0093 m/s/year), contributing to enhanced surface stability and stronger radiative cooling. Frequency of blizzards significantly decreased over the 30-year period, linked to reduced cyclonic activity, poleward shift of westerlies, lower snowfall, and stronger atmospheric stability. Strong regional climate contrast across Antarctica: West Antarctica & Antarctic Peninsula show clear warming trends. East Antarctica stations show weak or statistically insignificant warming. Maitri uniquely shows persistent cooling compared to six other stations. Decadal analysis reveals major warming during 1991–2000 in the Peninsula and West Antarctica, with reduced or reversed warming in later decades. Monthly climatology confirms severe winter (Apr–Sep) and comparatively mild summer (Dec–Jan) at Maitri, with mean annual temperature near –9.5 °C. Local topography, katabatic winds, and atmospheric circulation (including SAM and sea-ice extent variations) play major roles in Maitri’s cooling trend. Results highlight strong spatial heterogeneity in Antarctic climate change and underscore the importance of long-term stationlevel meteorological monitoring.