Antarctic Camps Snow Drift Management Handbook

• Main Authors: Haehnel, Robert, Weatherly, John
• Other Authors: ENGINEER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER HANOVER NH COLD REGIONS RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING LAB
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: Snow; Ice and Permafrost; *SNOWDRIFTS; ANTARCTIC REGIONS; HANDBOOKS; MANAGEMENT; MILITARY FACILITIES; POSITION(LOCATION); SHELTERS; BERMS; CAMPS; EPOLAR; POLAR; SNOW FENCES; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Ice; permafrost
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA609592; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA609592

Drifting snow on buildings, equipment, and tents at research camps throughout the Antarctic continent is a persistent problem. In this handbook, we provide methods to estimate the severity of the drifting problem at a proposed or an existing camp location and methods to ameliorate the drifting problems. The guidelines provided apply to camps where the wind is predominately from one direction, typical of a large percentage of the Antarctic continent where katabatic or down slope winds are dominant. The snowdrift protection methods outlined in this handbook do not suit regions where the storm winds can come from several dominant directions. Also included is a case study to demonstrate application of the methods outlined for estimating the severity of the drifting problem and for properly sizing the snowdrift protection system. Additionally, it provides methods to estimate the volume of snow that can be deposited during a camp season and gives examples of how to estimate the level of effort required to install the protection systems and to manage the snow throughout the camp season.