@article{fdi:010092562,
  title = {{E}valuation of cloudiness over {M}onte {S}an {V}alentin, {N}orthern {P}atagonia {I}cefield, from 2000 to 2008 using {MODIS} satellite images : implications for paleoclimate investigations from ice cores},
  author = {{V}imeux, {F}ran{\c{c}}oise and {M}aignan, {F}. and {R}eutenauer, {C}. and {P}ouyaud, {B}ernard},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{A}n unexpectedly low annual net accumulation (20 cm w.e. a(-1)) has been inferred from analyses of a firn core extracted from {G}laciar {M}onte {S}an {V}alentin, {N}orthern {P}atagonia {I}cefield (46 degrees 35'{S}, 73 degrees 19'{W}; 3747 m a.s.l.). {W}e test a hypothesis linking the low accumulation to a frequent lack of cloud cover over the mountain range at this altitude. {T}he cloudiness over {M}onte {S}an {V}alentin and surrounding regions is examined using similar to 3000 daily {MODIS} satellite images from 2000 to 2008. {T}he visual evaluation of the synoptic situation leads to the definition of a daily cloudiness index ({E}l) for the {S}an {V}alentin summit and for the regions to the southwest ({SW}) and northeast ({NE}). {W}e check its robustness by applying different tests and comparisons. {T}hree levels are assigned for the {E}l: 'clear' ({E}l = 0), 'cloudy' ({E}l = 1) and 'mixed' ({E}l = 0.5). {T}he results show that the {SV} cloud cover is similar to the regional cloudiness for more than half the year (54%) and that the case in which the {S}an {V}alentin summit is clear while both {SW} and {NE} regions are cloudy is exceptional (2%). {A}s clouds are necessary to provide precipitation, we show that the low annual net accumulation cannot be explained by an uncommon low cloudiness. {T}his result implies that net accumulation inferred from ice cores in this {A}ndean region must be cautiously interpreted. {W}e also point out that the {A}ndes at this latitude acts as an orographic barrier but without a total blocking of air masses.},
  keywords = {{PATAGONIE}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{J}ournal of {G}laciology},
  volume = {57},
  numero = {202},
  pages = {221--230},
  ISSN = {0022-1430},
  year = {2011},
  DOI = {10.3189/002214311796405915},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010092562},
}