Meteorological observations at Syowa Station and at Dome Fuji Station in 1997 by the 38th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition

This paper describes the results of meteorological observations at Syowa Station from February 1, 1997 to January 31, 1998, and at Dome Fuji Station from January 25, 1997 to January 20, 1998, carried out by the Meteorological Observation Team of the 38th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE-38). The observation method, instruments, and statistical methods used by JARE-38 were almost the same as those used by the JARE-37 observation team. Remarkable weather phenomena observed during the period of JARE-38 are as follows; Annual mean surface temperature in 1997 at Syowa Station was normal. The monthly mean temperature in September was -23.6 degree C, which was the lowest value in the historical record of Syowa Station. The large scale Antarctic ozone hole was observed for the ninth successive year at Syowa Station. The lowest monthly mean total ozone amounts in 1997 was 164 m atm-cm recorded in October. This was the second lowest value of October historical record at Syowa Station. Surface ozone concentration was observed through the whole year at Syowa Station. A surface ozone depletion event was observed from 28 to 29 August 1997. Stratospheric aerosols were observed with an optical particle counter sonde at Syowa Station. Six sondes were released and the annual variation was observed. Annual mean surface temperature at Dome Fuji Station was -54.4 degree C; the lowest temperature was -79.7 degree C observed on July 8th.