May 1, 2007
6 PM
Temperature satellite of Antarctica
Dynamics have shifted.
There is a major heat intrusion over East Antarctica from Australia which came from the Sumatra region of the equator. The temperate regions are still hovering around zero with an inching toward 1 C. Vostok has dropped in temperture from -47 to -57 with a drop in humidity as it remains at an elevation away from any winds or vortex. The very top ice is immune to this event as it appears now. Vostok reflects that.
Dome C has risen in temperature and is no longer the coldest spot on the continent. It changed temperature from -60 to -50 C. It is receiving the transfer system heat. There is sublimination of the ice at this location. Most reporting stations at 9 to 10 thousand feet register an increase in temperature with conditions of blowing snow. Humidities are higher and the snow is more than likely from the subliming ice and due to continued significantly colder temperatures below -50 C. If the snow remains in the region it might act as regard, but, if the wind carries it to sea then it's lost to the mass balance of the continent and will contribute to sea level rise.
