CALVA aims to obtain in Adélie Land and at Dome C, in situ observations that are not available elsewhere, to better assess and improve meteorological and climate models over the Antarctic region, as well as remote sensing approaches. In Adélie Land, CALVA is particularly interested in clouds and precipitation, extremely dynamic atmospheric boundary layers (catabatic winds), and blown snow. At Dome C, CALVA is also interested in the boundary layer, extreme in terms of temperature and inversion, in precipitation and clouds, and the exchange flows with the snow surface. These elements are still poorly understood, and poorly or for some (blown snow) not even represented in the models implemented for IPCC-type climate forecasts. The data obtained therefore aim to improve the quality of these forecasts, in particular the surface mass balance of the cap and its impact on the overall sea level.
Logistical Support
Logistical support on the field for the CALVA program is by Institut Polaire Paul-Emile-Victor, IPEV. This is IPEV program 1013.
For all information: christophe.genthon(at)cnrs.fr
Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique
Université Paris Sorbonne / Pierre et Marie Curie
4 Place Jussieu Tour 45-55, 3ème étage
Case Postale 99
75252 Paris Cedex 05 France
+33 (0)1 44 27 74 62