Item: The Influence of Aspect on Physical and Chemical Properties of the Snow Cover in a Basin on the Monte Rosa Massif (North-Western Italian Alps)
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Title: The Influence of Aspect on Physical and Chemical Properties of the Snow Cover in a Basin on the Monte Rosa Massif (North-Western Italian Alps)
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop, Davos 2009, Proceedings
Authors:
- A. Brulport [ Di.Va.P.R.A., Università di Torino, Italy ]
- M. Maggioni [ Di.Va.P.R.A., Università di Torino, Italy ]
- M. Freppaz [ Di.Va.P.R.A., Università di Torino, Italy ]
- G. Filippa [ Di.Va.P.R.A., Università di Torino, Italy ]
- E. Squinobal [ Di.Va.P.R.A., Università di Torino, Italy ]
Date: 2009
Abstract: In Alpine ecosystems, snowpacks are characterized by both spatial and temporal variability, as a function of topographical and meteorological factors. This study aims to evaluate the spatial variability of the seasonal snowpack at a small scale to quantify the influence of aspect and slope angle on the snow cover evolution. Three sites were chosen in the Monte Rosa Massif (North-western Italy) at an altitude of 2600 m asl with different slope angles and different aspects: North and 25°, South and 25°, fl at. In winter 2006-2007, physical snow parameters, and chemical (pH and Electrical Conductivity) were periodically recorded. The structure and composition of snow displayed significant differences among sites, with consequences on the snow stability. The snowpack at the flat site was comparable to the North-facing site in the lower part of the profile, while it was similar to the South-facing site in the upper part of the profile. Concerning chemistry, the nutrient release started at the end of February at the South-facing and flat sites, occurring through different ionic pulses during the winter. On the contrary, at the North-facing site the release occurred with a unique relevant ionic pulse at the end of April. This study shows that the physical properties of a snowpack can vary broadly as a function of plotscale topography, determining different stability conditions that are not always considered while forecasting the avalanche risk. The same topographic conditions play a role in the process of solute release, with different consequences in the nutrient input from snowmelt to subnivian mountain soils.
Object ID: issw-2009-0160-0164.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: snowpack variability, topography, snow chemistry, stability
Page Number(s): 160-164
Subjects: snow cover basin monte rosa massif (north-western italian alps) physical and chemical properties
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