An Inexpensive Remote Snow-Depth Gauge based on Ultrasonic Wave Reflection from the Snow Surface

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Gubler, H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1981
• Subjects: Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002214300001131x; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S002214300001131X

Abstract Total snow depth is determined by measuring the time of flight of an ultrasonic wave packet emitted from a sonic transmitter above the snow surface and reflected from the snow surface back to the receiver/transmitter system. The light-weight system is battery powered (operating time without battery change at least 8 months) and can be fixed to any post above the snow surface. The absolute precision is better than ±0.03 m. Data and commands are transmitted by a single two-wire system up to several kilometres.