Antarctica: Catching snow in the world's southernmost desert
Channel: NSF NCAR & UCAR Science Education
Date: 2018-02-28

Have you ever been curious what it is like to work in Antarctica where temperatures can drop below -50F and wind speeds can exceed hurricane force? Snow accumulation is the primary precipitation method that sustains the Antarctic ice sheets. Yet, snowfall remains one of the most difficult meteorological variables to accurately measure, especially in windy conditions. A new field program funded by the National Science Foundation is focused on testing recent advances in technology to determine if accurate snowfall measurements are now possible in the Antarctic environment. Join NCAR Scientist Scott Landolt as he provides an overview of this field program, the challenges of working in Antarctica, day-to-day life around McMurdo Station, and stunning photography of the Antarctic ice sheets.