Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Downwelling solar, Qsi, and longwave, Qli, irradiances at the earth's surface are the primary energy inputs for many hydrologic processes, and uncertainties in measurements of these two terms confound evaluations of estimated irradiances and negatively impact hydrologic modeling. Observations of Qsi and Qli in cold environments are subject to conditions that create additional uncertainties not encountered in other climates, specifically the accumulation of snow on uplooking radiometers. To address this issue, we present an automated method for estimating these periods of snow accumulation. Our method is based on forest interception of snow and uses common meteorological observations. In this algorithm, snow accumulation must exceed a threshold to obscure the sensor and is only removed through scouring by wind or melting. The algorithm is evaluated at two sites representing different mountain climates: (1) Snoqualmie Pass, Washington (maritime) and (2) the Senator Beck Basin Study Area, Colorado (continental). The algorithm agrees well with time-lapse camera observations at the Washington site and with multiple measurements at the Colorado site, with 70–80% of observed snow accumulation events correctly identified. We suggest using the method for quality controlling irradiance observations in snow-dominated climates where regular, daily maintenance is not possible.
Source: Water Resources Research
DOI: 10.1002/2015wr017590
Authors: Karl E. Lapo, Laura M. Hinkelman, Christopher C. Landry, Adam K. Massmann, Jessica D. Lundquist
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: SNOWMELT SUPPLIES AS MUCH AS 75% OF SURFACE WATER IN BASINS OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES. HOWEVER, AS TEMPERATURES RISE, MORE WINTER PRECIPITATION FA, Collaborative Research: Process Dynamics in the Intermittent Snow Zone, SNOWMELT IS A CRITICAL PROCESS TO MOUNTAIN SYSTEMS AND PROVIDES THE MAJORITY OF SURFACE WATER IN THE WESTERN US. MOST MELT IS DRIVEN BY NET RADIATION
OpenAlex ID: W2122257186