Item: Observations on the growth process and strength characteristics of surface hoar
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Title: Observations on the growth process and strength characteristics of surface hoar
Proceedings: 1984 International Snow Science Workshop, Aspen, Colorado, USA
Authors: R.M. Lang , B.R. Leo , and R.L. Brown
Date: 1984
Abstract: A field study conducted during the winter months of 1982-83 and 1983-84 at the Big Sky Ski Area, Big Sky, Montana, indicated that nocturnal clear-sky radiative heat loss from the snow surface did not necessarily predispose condensation onto the surface, even in the presence of temperature gradients in excess of 200·C/m. The initiation of "surface hoar" growth corresponded to a variety of atmospheric and snow surface conditions. Mechanical shear strength tests, conducted on established surface hoar layers, indicated that although a layer would become visually undetectable, shear strength remained too low to measure for extended periods of time.
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: heat loss, snow surface, temperature gradients, surface hoar, shear strength
Subjects: growth process surface hoar big sky ski area
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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