Monthly Antarctic Station Temperature Pressure and Wind Speed Records

Monthly and annual mean meteorological data from Antarctic research stations and automatic weather stations, compiled by the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research READER project. The dataset focuses on long-term series, requiring stations to have operated for at least 25 years or the last 10 years. The first release covers the period up to the end of 2000.

Use Cases

• Analyzing trends in monthly mean surface temperature from fixed Antarctic stations over decades.
• Correlating changes in mean sea level pressure records with broader climate patterns.
• Studying variability in monthly mean surface wind speed across different Antarctic locations.
• Investigating upper air temperature and geopotential height at standard levels for atmospheric research.
• Using color-coded monthly means to assess data quality based on the percentage of possible observations used.

Strengths

• Data curated for long-term series, requiring stations to have records extending 25 years or operated for the last 10 years.
• Includes metadata on observing systems, site changes, and practice changes where available.
• Focuses on fixed-location data from year-round stations, avoiding mobile platforms for consistent time series.

Limitations

• First release covers only up to 2000, indicating data may not be current.
• Excludes daily data, providing only monthly and annual means.
• Contains significant gaps, particularly in upper air data, as noted by the project.

Provenance

Source

Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) READER Project.

Collection Method

Compiled from in-situ meteorological measurements at Antarctic research stations and automatic weather stations.

Time Range

Long-term series up to 2000, with criteria for 25-year or 10-year operational records.

Freshness

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Geography

Antarctica, specifically fixed locations at research stations and automatic weather stations.