Research on the Seasonal Snow of the Arctic Slope

• Main Author: Benson, C. S.
• Other Authors: United States. Department of Energy.
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: University of Alaska Fairbanks. Geophysical Institute. 1988
• Subjects: Phase Transformations; Alaskan North Slope; Polar Regions; Variations 540110*; Seasonal Variations; Snow; Progress Report; Melting; Document Types; Spatial Distribution; Atmospheric Precipitations; 54 Environmental Sciences; Physical Properties; Distribution; Arctic Regions; Biological Effects; Wind; Arctic; Arctic Ocean
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.2172/7077186; https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1186200/

This project deals with the seasonal snow on Alaska's Arctic Slope. Although it is concentrated on snow of the R{sub 4}D project area, it is important to relate the snow cover of this area with the rest of the Arctic Slope. The goals include determination of the amount of precipitation which comes as snow, the wind transport of this snow and its depositional pattern as influenced by drifting, the physical properties of the snow, the physical processes which operate in it, the proportions of it which go into evaporation, infiltration and runoff, and the biological role of the snow cover. The 1984--1985, 1985--1986 and 1986--1987 seasonal snow was measured to determine its total quantity, its physical structure and its distribution as a function of wind and topography. Observations of meteorological parameters and snowpack characteristics during winter and spring have yielded information on the seasonal evolution of the snow in quantitative terms. A method of determining melt rates over large regions was developed and is being refined, progress was made on a model describing energy flux sources which control snow melting. A strong control is exerted by air mass advection on a broad scale. We are continuing to devote attention to the sources of energy and energy transfer mechanisms which control snow melt. The 1986 snow melt was two weeks later than the 1987 and 1985 meltouts. The delay was caused by advection of cold air from the Arctic Ocean. When it did get underway melting was very rapid and the snow pack disappeared in only half the time taken in 1985.