Analysis of Snowpack Properties and Estimation of Snow Grain Size using CLPX Data

摘要

In this study, we focus on analysis of snow grain size behavior with respect to other snow parameters such as snow depth, density, and temperature. We derive a pattern which can be used to approximate the range of grain size variations. NASA Cold-Land Process Experiment data includes measurements of the grain size, density, and temperature in different layers of snowpack profile. The analysis showed that the snow density and temperature usually increase towards the snow-ground interface. The grain size profile shows an increase as well towards the bottom. Overall, the snow grain size variation is highly correlated with both snow density and temperature. The correlation is generally higher between snow grain size and temperature as compared with grain size and density. Thus, snowpack temperature profile might be estimated by a linear function having the top and bottom temperature. Using snowpack temperature, the grain size evolution can be approximated.