The Classification of Snow Metamorphism

Abstract A new classification of snow on the ground is based on the major physical processes involved in the metamorphism of a snow cover. The major divisions are based on (I) the mechanical damage to snow crystals during precipitation, (II) the transport of water vapor at constant temperature becau...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Glaciology
Main Authors: Sommerfeld, R. A., LaChapelle, E.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1970
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000026757
https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000026757
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Summary:Abstract A new classification of snow on the ground is based on the major physical processes involved in the metamorphism of a snow cover. The major divisions are based on (I) the mechanical damage to snow crystals during precipitation, (II) the transport of water vapor at constant temperature because of surface-energy differences, (III) the transport of water vapor along a thermal gradient, and (IV) firnification because of melting and refreezing, and pressure consolidation.