Item: iButton Thermochrons - An Affordable and Effective Technique for Measuring Temperature Gradients
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Title: iButton Thermochrons - An Affordable and Effective Technique for Measuring Temperature Gradients
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Greg Gagne [ Utah Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: iButton thermochrons are small, affordable, easily deployed devices that measure and log temperatures within a seasonal snowpack. These devices record temperatures at a specified interval and are accurate to within 0.5C. Forecasters at the Utah Avalanche Center (UAC) have deployed iButtons in a variety of field settings for the past nine seasons, finding them especially useful for measuring temperature gradients near the snow surface corresponding to diurnal near-surface faceting events. We have identified steep gradients (in excess of 150C/m) in the top 1-3 cms of the snow surface during periods of cold, clear weather, conditions that lead to the rapid development of near-surface facets. Graphical plots of measurements have identified steep temperature gradients as well as diurnal temperature fluctuations. Our analysis have helped us better communicate the faceting process to the users of our daily UAC avalanche forecasts as well as part of our educational toolset. Formal avalanche education programs may also find iButton thermochrons useful for instructional purposes.
Object ID: ISSW2018_P07.5.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: metamorphism, temperature gradient, near-surface facets, ibutton
Page Number(s): 657-660
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