The Distribution of 10 Meter snow Temperatures on the Greenland Ice Sheet

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Mock, S. J., Weeks, W. F.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1966
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Greenland; Ice Sheet; Journal of Glaciology; North Greenland; Thule
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000019043; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000019043

Abstract All available 10 m. snow temperatures from the Greenland Ice Sheet have been analyzed using multiple regression techniques to develop equations capable of accurately predicting these temperatures. The analysis was carried out for all Greenland and for various sub-areas. The resulting equations show that 10 m. snow temperatures can be accurately predicted from the parameters latitude and elevation. Longitude was found to be a further significant parameter in south Greenland. Gradients of 10 m. snow temperatures versus elevation for north Greenland are close to the dry adiabatic lapse rate indicating adiabatic warming of katabatic winds as the controlling mechanism in their altitudinal distribution. In both south Greenland and the Thule peninsula, gradients of 10 m. snow temperatures versus elevation are markedly greater than the dry adiabatic lapse rate and are highly dependent upon elevation, indicating downward transfer of latent heat in the snow, largely as a result of percolating melt water. An isotherm map, showing the distribution of 10 m. snow temperatures on the Greenland Ice Sheet calculated from the prediction equations, was prepared. The map is based upon a revised contour map of the ice sheet made from a compilation of all known elevations.