Abstract

The Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) effort is one by the United States to provide real-time, high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) over Antarctica. AMPS is a mesoscale modeling system run at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) that generates twice-da... Show moreThe Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) effort is one by the United States to provide real-time, high-resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) over Antarctica. AMPS is a mesoscale modeling system run at the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) that generates twice-daily forecasts for the U.S. Antarctic Program. As AMPS and its products have been adapted over the years to provide NWP guidance over Antarctica, supporting ground-based astronomy may be a possible extension of the system. Presented are an introduction to AMPS, its capabilities, and its potential for support of weather forecasting for ground-based astronomy in Antarctica. Limitations are also discussed. Show less