Features of solar climate changes in Antarctica in the 21st century

Based on the analysis of monthly radiation intensity in the 5-degree latitude zones in Antarctica, the characteristics of changes in its solar climate in the 21st century have been identified. Trends in long-term changes in the annual course of radiation in the 5-degree latitude zones of the Antarctic region in the current century have been determined. An assessment of the magnitude of interannual variability in radiation intensity has been conducted. It has been established that the maxima in relative values of interannual variability occur during periods when the Earth is near the equinoxes. In absolute terms, the maximum interannual variability in radiation intensity is noted near the Earth's position at perihelion in its orbit. The meridional gradient of insolation, which regulates the intensity of meridional transfer of radiative heat and moisture from low latitudes to high latitudes in the natural system, is increasing in the current century (by a maximum of 0.017 W/m2 in the latitude zone of 65º–70º during the summer half-year) in all Antarctic latitude zones, half-years, and over the year. Therefore, there is an intensification of the operation of the "first kind heat engine" in Antarctica. A decrease in values of the meridional gradient of insolation is observed with increasing geographical latitude. The winter meridional gradient of insolation is approximately 1.47 times greater than the summer one. Throughout the current century, the insolation seasonality in the solar climate of Antarctica is decreasing in all considered 5-degree latitude zones by approximately 0.19 W/m2 (indicating a decrease in the intensity of the "second kind heat engine" operation).