Accurate surface measurements of different parameters at the InteRface between the atmosphere and ice/snow surface: radiation FLuxes, surface temperatures and precipatiOn at the plateau station Concordia (AIR-FLOC)

The aim of this research program is to keep accurate measurements of different physical variables characterizing the Antarctic Plateau surface: surface downwelling and upwelling radiative fluxes, characteristic of the air-snow interface, snow precipitation and surface temperatures, through the facilities implemented at Concordia Station. Here, one of the few polar nodes of the Baseline Surface Radiation Network (BSRN) operates since Jan 2006, providing surface state-of-the-art measurements of broadband short-wave (solar) radiation components (global, direct, diffuse and reflected) and of thermal radiation (emitted by atmosphere and surface). These measurements provide year-round complete information on radiative regime on the East-Antarctic Plateau. Radiative fluxes represent an important input for both mass balance and regional climate models. Moreover, surface irradiance datasets are needed to validate satellite radiometry and useful to calibrate and validate several other satellite observations. Narrow-band solar radiation measurements (UV, VIS and NIR fluxes) will be implemented and/or extended using techniques/instrumentation developed/acquired in the frame of previous PNRA projects or put at disposal. The same applies to the precipitation isotopic analysis: precipitation data are rare and difficult to obtain. Long summer periods without precipitation enhance surface snow metamorphism. The most part of accumulation results from a limited number of events originating from the coastal area and moving north to south. Accumulation at Concordia is produced also from diamond dust and hoar frost, mostly related to local thermodynamic conditions. Daily precipitation sampling for isotopic measurements have been continuously carried out at Dome C since 2008; it would be of primary importance to maintain the continuity of this unique temporal series, considering that Concordia is the only station in Antarctica hosting this type of observations and sampling.