Meteorological and biometeorological conditions in the Hornsund area (Spitsbergen) during the warm season

Abstract

Meteorological and biometeorological conditions during the warm seasons (June-September) of 1979-2008 are described for the Hornsund area, Spitsbergen. The measurements were taken at four sites: at Hornsund, at the Hans Glacier (at its equilibrium line and in the firn section) and at the summit of Fugleberget. The variation of meteorological and biometeorological conditions was analysed in relation to altitude, distance from the sea and the ground type. In warm seasons, the air temperature at Hornsund was 2.2 °C higher on average than at the Hans Glacier (central section) and by 2.8 °C than at the Hans Glacier (firn section) and at Fugleberget. The average wind speed recorded at Hornsund was higher (0.6ms-1) than at the Hans Glacier and lower (0.9ms-1) than at Fugleberget. Four biometeorological indices were used: wind chill index (WCI), predicted insulation of clothing (Iclp), cooling power (H) and subjective temperature index (STI). The strongest thermal stimuli were observed on the Hans Glacier and in the upper mountain areas. The study has found a considerable degree of spatial variation between the meteorological elements investigated and the biometeorological indices in the Hornsund area. The impact of atmospheric circulation on meteorological elements and biometeorological indices is also presented. The mildest biometeorological conditions of the warm season found at Hornsund were associated with air masses arriving from the southwest and west.