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Parameterization of Snowpack Albedo Reduction by Light-Absorbing Impurities
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2022
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[PDF-1.59 MB]
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Description:Light-absorbing impurities (LAIs) deposited on snow or ice surface can accelerate melt by increasing absorption of solar radiation directly through changing the color of snow and indirectly through altering the size and shape of the snow grains. Changes in the timing and quantity of the melt can have implications on water security and cause hazards in snow-dominated regions. However, the impacts of snow darkening by LAIs are not well described in large-scale models. Here, we present a simple snow parameterization to estimate the surface albedo based on the concentration of LAIs and snow grain
size at the near-surface of the snowpack. The parameterization was evaluated against a snow-year-long field observation in Col de Porte, French Alps. It suggested the parameterization can provide a reasonable estimation of the near-surface concentration of LAIs, snow grain size, and visible albedo of surface snow.
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Rights Information:CC0 Public Domain
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Compliance:Submitted
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