Dfc, wow not what I would expect as a climate classification for Deadhorse, Alaska. Snow, fully humid, cool summer, OK, I believe the snow but wouldn't Polar fit better? I see fully humid since it is only 9km from the Arctic Ocean, but a cool summer, OK if one believes 80 degree temps as cool. Meso scale influences are predominately large water bodies, yes the Arctic Ocean, not mountain ranges on the coast and no ingredients for hurricanes. The edge of the polar jet and mid latitude jet centers over Deadhorse and causes the oscillation of the air masses which helps explain the classification. Convergence and divergence are frequent occurrences, which helps explain, at least in my mind the classification. Solar angle probably has the most influence for the classification. Granted its on the macro scale but it has a huge influence on the meso scale. Micro scale influences are limited in this coastal area to the winds and the ocean condition, whether the ice froms early in the season or later and lasts longer or shorter than normal. Could this be an indicator of global warming or not? I'm on the skeptical side.
Anthropogenic influences are almost non existent with a population of under 50 permanent residents, but the influence of 300 to 500 oil rigs might cause some temporary spikes in temperatures or influences in weather station readings.
The charts below show support for a very consistent climate over the past 5 years.
Temperature, pressure and wind for 12/1/2006-12/1/2007
http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/PALP
Temperature, pressure, and wind as of 12/1/2011
http://www.wunderground.com/history/airport/PALP
As you compare the 5 year period, they are almost identical, showing very little if any change in the climate in Deadhorse, AK.
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