Antarctic Atmospheric River Climatology and Precipitation Impacts

The Antarctic ice sheet (AIS) is sensitive to short-term extreme meteorological events that can leave long-term impacts on the continent's surface mass balance (SMB). We investigate of atmospheric rivers (ARs) AIS precipitation budget using an AR detection algorithm and a regional climate model (Modèle Atmosphérique Régional) from 1980 2018. While ARs their associated vapor transport are relatively rare over coastal regions (∼3 days per year), they have significant impact climatology. responsible for at least 10% total accumulated snowfall across East Antarctica (localized areas reaching 20%) majority events. Trends in annual frequency since observed parts AIS, most notably increasing trend Dronning Maud Land; however, interannual variability much larger. This behavior appears drive portion trends Antarctica, while controlling AIS. landfalls likely when circumpolar jet highly amplified during blocking conditions Southern Ocean. There fingerprint Annular Mode (SAM) West with SAM+ (SAM−) favoring increased Peninsula (Amundsen-Ross Sea coastline). Given large influence continent, it advantageous future studies moisture consider framework especially considering SMB changes.