Abstract
The magnitude of the moisture transport by the atmosphere into the Antarctic interior is determined from a mass transport model which allows a longitudinal variation in the annual flux values. It is indicated that the use of monthly mean transport and temperature values underestimates the annual moisture transport required by observed accumulation values in the interior, consequently a relatively much larger fraction of the annual moisture transport must occur in conjunction with positive temperature deviations from mean monthly values. This relation is examined at Byrd station where it was found that during the austral summer 1957–8 the threeday period with the highest 700 mb temperature accounted for nearly 20 % of the annual moisture transport. The variation of the moisture transport with altitude is examined and its effect as a constraint upon the maximum central height that the ice sheet may attain is briefly discussed.
© 1969 B. Lettau, published by Stockholm University Press
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