Item: Quantifying Snow Transport Using Snow Fences and Sonic Sensors
-
-
Title: Quantifying Snow Transport Using Snow Fences and Sonic Sensors
Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska
Authors:
- Svetlana Stuefer [ University of Alaska Fairbanks, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Fairbanks, USA ]
- Matthew Sturm [ Cold Region Research Engine ering Laboratory, Fairbanks, USA ]
Date: 2012
Abstract: Using two snow fences we constructed in northern Alaska, and an existing municipal fence near Barrow, we measured the growth and size of the snow drifts. To define the timing and magnitude of the snow transport episodes, on the leeward side of each fence we installed a line of sonic depth sensors that were used to track the increase in snow depth with time. The time-dependent depth measurements have been combined with the drift profile surveys to produce a series of snow volumes before and after transport (or snow deposition) events. Thirty-six such events have been identified and examined as a function of windspeed. We reviewed all previously published experimental values of snow transport at different wind speeds and added our new data. When taken together, these data show a scattered cloud, indicating that the windblown snow flux is not a single-valued function with respect to wind speed. Other factors (snow conditions, wind direction, and wind character) strongly affect the flux. We suggest describing this cloud with a “low†and “high" curves for estimating minimum and maximum likely snow transport. Further developments can be made to refine the curve position with respect to the particular climate/snow zone from ice sheet to alpine and Arctic environments.
Object ID: issw-2012-934-936.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): unknown
Keywords: snow fence, snowdrift, transportation, flux
Page Number(s): 934-936
Subjects: snow transportation snow fences wind transport
-