Coupled Influence of Synoptic Weather and Topographic Control on Near-surface Wind Variability in the Denman Glacier Basin, East Antarctica

Denman Glacier Basin, a critical region for studying polar ice dynamics and climate change impacts, is heavily influenced by the combination of topographic and atmospheric conditions, particularly experiencing strong downslope winds. This study examines the structure and variability of near-surface winds in the basin, focusing on the influence of large-scale circulation, synoptic weathers, and local orographic effects. Through high-resolution atmospheric simulation experiments, we demonstrate the forced components of near-surface winds during prevalent synoptic systems in the area, quantifying the roles of large-scale and locally driven forces in shaping wind structure and variability. We also conduct perturbation experiments with topographies of varying resolutions to examine the orographic controls on the spatial climatology of downslope winds, in response to a range of synoptic systems typical to the region. Our findings can be used to clarify uncertainties in interpreting snow accumulation variability in ice cores and determining whether modern regional mass balance trends result from increased glacial discharge or shifts in synoptic circulation. This research findings will be used to interpret the Denman Glacier discharge, snow accumulation over the basin, aiding in the interpretation of recent ice core data collected in the recent field season.