Chinese Journal of Polar Research

Chinese Journal of Polar Research ›› 2026, Vol. 38 ›› Issue (3): 430-449.DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.20240088

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Observation and analysis of low-level wind fields over the sea areas of Antarctic voyage using coherent Doppler wind LiDAR

LI Xiaoya1, WANG Shuoren2, YU Zhibin3, FU Xinyao1, YIN Chuanli1, GUAN Jun1, ZHANG Jie4#br#   

  1. 1 Qingdao Huahang Seaglet Environmental Technology Ltd., Qingdao 266000, China;
    2 Polar Research Institute of China, Shanghai 200136, China;
    3 Institute of Space Science and Applied Technology (ISSAT), Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen 518055, China;
    4 School of Atmospheric Sciences, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu 610225, China
  • Received:2024-10-09 Revised:2025-01-20 Online:2026-09-30 Published:2026-10-22

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Abstract:

The coherent Doppler wind light detection and Ranging (LiDAR) developed by China was installed on the R/V Xuelong 2 and set sail in the 40th Chinese National Antarctic Research Expedition. For the first time, the LiDAR obtained complete wind field data below 3000 meters on the route across the North Temperate Zone to the Antarctic Core Circle. The conclusions of the LiDAR data analysis are shown below. (1) The data calibrated by the attitude compensation algorithm met the requirements of low-level wind observation during the scientific expedition and provided reliable data support for ship-borne flight activities and research into the relationship between ocean current changes and low-level winds. (2) The prevailing low-level winds in the northern and southern hemispheres were more complex than the classic three-circle circulation pattern. Compared with that in the northern hemisphere, the low-level wind in the southern hemisphere was mostly zonal flow and was more significant at high latitudes. (3) The westerly wind speed at the mid and high latitudes of the southern hemisphere was much greater than that in the same latitudes of the northern hemisphere, and the maximum wind speed in the jet stream sometimes reached hurricane level. The activities of synoptic-scale systems such as front and low-level jets were more dynamic in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere, resulting in more frequent and severe low-level horizontal and vertical wind shears. (4) The polar front existed for a long time and was positioned southward in summer and northward in autumn. There was a large area of low-level jets and vertical ascent areas near the front. (5) The wind speed in the Antarctic Core Circle tended to be gentle with a prevailing sinking airflow. In summer, there were still more polar front activities. In summary, the impact of low-level winds on navigation or low-altitude operations may be more significant in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere.


Key words:

coherent Doppler wind LiDAR, medium and low-level wind field, weather analysis, Antarctic voyage