Quantitative estimation of the influence factors on snow/ice albedo

Quantitative estimation of the influence of various factors,such as black carbon,snow grain,dust content,and water con tent on albedo is essential in obtaining an accurate albedo.In this paper,field measurement data,including snow grain size,density,liquid water content,and snow depth was obtained.Black carbon and dust samples were collected from the snow surface.A simultaneous observation using ASD(Analytical Spectral Devices)spectral data was employed in the Qiyi glacier located on Qilian Mountain.The measurements were compared with results obtained from the Snow,Ice,and Aerosol Radiation(SNICAR)model.Additionally,a HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory(HYSPLIT)air mass backward trajectory model was used to track the source of black carbon.The simulation was found to correlate well with observed data.Liquid water content was the most influential factor of albedo among the several influencing fac tors,followed by black carbon content and snow grain size.Finally,snow density change had the least toward albedo.HYSPLIT atmospheric trajectories model can only approximately show the source of black carbon and not clearly indicate the source region of black carbon.     

基于HJ-1数据的木孜塔格峰地区雪深时空变化

以木孜塔格峰地区为研究区,从不同坡度、坡向的样方内测量雪深和采集光谱,通过分析归一化差分雪盖指数（Normalized Difference Snow Index,NDSI）、反照率、HJ-1卫星的红外波段反射率与雪深的相关关系,建立了适用于HJ-1星的积雪深度反演模型,估算出2012年4月14日-25日木孜塔格峰地区的雪深时空变化,并结合实测数据进行验证。结果表明:反照率反演模型的复相关系数为0.992;通过NDSI阈值区分混合雪盖像元和积雪像元,雪深估测精度可达92.78%。冰川区的反照率、NDSI与海拔的相关系数分别为0.626和0.733,且高海拔带反照率值明显高于低海拔带的反照率值。受西风带降雪的影响,非冰川区的北坡雪深值较大;西坡、南坡次之;东坡最小,且雪深最大值出现在坡度约等于10°处。雪深估测的相对误差随着样地的坡度增大而增加,坡度为15°时相对误差较大。     

基于MODIS数据的雪深反演--以天山北坡经济带为例

应用中分辨率成像光谱仪（MODIS）数据进行雪深遥感反演理论和方法的研究.利用全波 段地物光谱仪对不同深度的积雪进行反射光谱值野外量测且同步测定雪深,通过分析雪深和 反射光谱值的关系确定反演雪深的MODIS最佳观测通道,应用新疆地区冬季MODIS 1B数据, 以天山北坡经济带为实验区,结合该区域同期气象台地面雪深观测记录数据建立雪深遥感反 演数学公式.雪深反演结果与实测值对比表明,应用MODIS数据进行大区域雪深反演时 ,其结果具有分辨率高、监测范围广的特点,可以清楚反映积雪覆盖范围和雪深空间分布特征,对地表径流量计算、农业开发等具有应用价值.     

Snow and sea ice thermodynamics in the Arctic:Model validation and sensitivity study against SHEBA data

Evolution of the Arctic sea ice and its snow cover during the SHEBA year were simulated by applying a high-resolution thermodynamic snow/ice model (HIGHTSI).Attention was paid to the impact of albedo on snow and sea ice mass balance,effect of snow on total ice mass balance,and the model vertical resolution. The SHEBA annual simulation was made applying the best possible external forcing data set created by the Sea Ice Model Intercomparison Project.The HIGHTSI control run reasonably reproduced the observed snow and ice thickness.A number of albedo schemes were incorporated into HIGHTSI to study the feedback processes between the albedo and snow and ice thickness.The snow thickness turned out to be an essential variable in the albedo parameterization.Albedo schemes dependent on the surface temperature were liable to excessive positive feedback effects generated by errors in the modelled surface temperature.The superimposed ice formation should be taken into account for the annual Arctic sea ice mass balance.     

塔克拉玛干沙漠腹地冬季积雪下垫面地表反照率及土壤温湿度变化特征

利用塔克拉玛干沙漠大气环境观测试验站西站10 m梯度探测系统气象和辐射观测数据,分析了塔中积雪下垫面地表反照率、土壤温度、土壤湿度的变化特征及其相互关系。结果表明：塔中积雪覆盖期间地表反照率0.18~0.97,日均值为0.60;有积雪覆盖的地表反照率日变化更偏向反"J"型,呈现出上午大于傍晚的形态,平均早晚较差为0.13;积雪使0~40 cm深度土壤温度下降,积雪消融后土壤湿度增大使各层土壤温度趋于接近,并使0、10、20 cm深度的土壤温度日变幅呈减小趋势,减小幅度分别为41%、39%、39%;积雪地表反照率与地表温度表现出负相关关系,反照率越高地表温度越低,二者相关系数为-0.71;积雪地表反照率与5 cm深度土壤湿度负相关,高地表反照率对应低土壤湿度,低地表反照率对应高土壤湿度,二者相关系数为-0.74。     

Radiometric investigation of different snow covers in Svalbard

This paper examines the relationship between reflectance and physical characteristics of the snow cover in the Arctic. Field data were acquired for different snow and ice surfaces during a survey carried out at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in spring 1998. In each measurement reflectance in the spectral range 350 - 2500 nm, snow data (including temperature, grain size and shape, density and water content), surface layer morphology, and vertical profile of the snow pack were recorded detailed analysis of reflectance based on the physical was performed. Field reflectance data were also re-sampled at the spectral intervals of Landsat TM to compare the ability of identifying different snow targets at discrete wavelength intervals. This analysis shows that reliable data on snow structure and thickness are necessary to understand albedo changes of the snow surfaces.     

天山巩乃斯河谷融雪期积雪物质平衡初步研究

本文利用１９９４年３月中，下旬在中间科学院天山积雪雪崩研究站（以下简称积雪站）野外观测到的部分资料，对融雪期季节性积雪的物质平衡进行初步分析，同时利用物质平衡方程对积雪日融出量进行计算。     

新疆天山及北疆地区积雪反照率差异

新疆天山和北疆地区是我国三大稳定积雪区之一，积雪反照率的变化显著地影响其地表吸收的太阳辐射能量。2018年1~3月，在新疆天山和北疆地区进行了积雪反照率观测，发现研究区的积雪反照率存在明显的时空差异。时间上，由于受到气温变化的影响，研究区的积雪反照率整体呈现下降的趋势，而且不同时期的下降幅度有差异，1月末~3月初反照率的降低相比1月初~1月末反照率降低更加明显。空间上，由于受到污化物的影响，各区域（阿勒泰地区、塔城地区、天山北坡和伊犁河谷）的积雪反照率之间存在差异，其中天山地区（天山北坡和伊犁河谷）的积雪反照率低于北疆地区（阿勒泰地区和塔城地区），天山北坡的反照率最低；在积雪稳定期及消融期，污化物对积雪反照率的影响最为明显。     

青藏高原腹地多年冻土区地表反照率的季节变化及主要影响因子

准确获取青藏高原地表反照率的季节变化特征对高原地表能水循环研究具有重要意义。本文利用青藏高原多年冻土区西大滩和唐古拉2007年的气象及辐射数据,运用相关分析方法研究了太阳高度角、积雪及活动层冻融过程对地表反照率变化的影响。结果显示:冷暖季降雪过程中地表反照率的变化差异较明显;地表无积雪覆盖期间,地表反照率与气温和表层土壤含水量呈反相关关系。利用多元回归分析法构建了以积雪日数和气温为影响因子的月均地表反照率计算回归方程,经检验与观测值对比平均相对误差为7.1%,可用于青藏高原北部地表反照率的估算。     

Plowing paradise: snow clearing and urban solar radiation absorption

Abstract

Urban heat islands result from human modification of land surfaces. Snow cover reduces heating due to its reflectivity; however, urban snow is quickly plowed, thus altering surface radiative properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate the extent to which municipal snow removal affects the magnitude of solar input associated with changes in the radiation balance. Incoming and reflected shortwave radiation, surface radiating temperature, air temperature, and snow depth were measured with portable devices at eight sites in Syracuse, New York. Sites were classified as cleared, undisturbed, or snow piles. Measurements were taken following fresh snowfall, and continuing until snow had melted. A HOBO weather station provided hourly baseline conditions. Longevity of snow varied across snow site types, with greater persistence when in piles and on open areas. Albedo was reduced and surface temperatures were higher over cleared areas. The difference between absorbed energy due to clearing was quantified using an albedo regression model for undisturbed sites and comparing these to average reflectivity of cleared surfaces. The magnitude difference over the study period ranged from 841 million to 1670 million MJ. Snow plowing is therefore a significant source of additional energy that enhances the winter urban heat island.     

季节性积雪区不同遮挡条件下深霜发育比较

以中国科学院天山积雪雪崩研究站为研究区,在2009～2010年冬季观测期利用体视显微镜(XTZ-E)及拍照设备和雪特性分析仪(Snow Fork),对3种遮挡条件的开阔地(0遮挡)、树缘(50%遮挡)和树下(90%遮挡)的积雪深霜进行连续观测,比较和分析西北季节性积雪区不同遮挡条件下的深霜发育特征。研究表明:1)深霜发育主要受温度制约,其次是温度梯度。由不同遮挡条件引起积雪累积和太阳辐射差异而导致雪深不同,从而形成的温度环境差异,是深霜发育差异的根本原因。2)深霜发育厚度与雪深呈正相关关系,有开阔地(0遮挡)>树缘(50%遮挡)>树下(90%遮挡),融雪期深霜的消减速率为树下>开阔地>树缘。3)深霜冰晶粒径呈先减小(稳定累积期-过渡期)再增大(-融雪期)的变化,积雪稳定累积期后,深霜粒径开阔地>树缘>树下。4)2009～2010年冬季雪深大,因而圆角深霜(DHxr)和圆角刻面冰晶(FCxr)在深霜中发育最多,二者共占70%～80%。开阔地易发育杯型深霜(DHcp),树缘和树下则易发育柱状条纹深霜(DHla)、棱柱状深霜(DHpr)和刻面冰晶(FCso)。深霜中胶结态冰晶约占10%～30%,其比例在开阔地深霜中递减,而在树缘和树下处递增。     

Evaluation of the SNOWPACK model’s metamorphism and microstructure in Canada: a case study

The snow thermodynamic multi-layer model SNOWPACK was developed to address the risk of avalanches by simulating the vertical properties of snow. Risk and stability assessments are based on the simulation of the vertical variability of snow microstructure, as well as on snow cohesion parameters. Previous research has shown systematic error in grain size simulations (equivalent optical grain size) over several areas in northern Canada. To quantify the simulated errors in snow grain size and uncertainties in stability, the snow specific surface area (SSA) was measured with a laser-based instrument. Optical grain size was retrieved to validate the optical equivalent grain radius from SNOWPACK. The two study plots are located in Glacier National Park, BC, and Jasper National Park, AB, Canada. Profiles for density and stratigraphic analysis were obtained as well as grain size profiles, combined with snow micropenetrometer (SMP) measurements. Density analysis showed good agreement with the simulated values (R² = 0.76). Optical grain size analysis showed systematic overestimation of the modeled values, in agreement with the current literature. The error in SSA evolution for a rounding environment was mostly constant, whereas error for conditions driven by a temperature gradient was linked to the size of the facetted grains.     

MODIS Derived Equilibrium Line Altitude Estimates for Purogangri Ice Cap,Tibetan Plateau,and their Relation to Climatic Predictors (2001–2012)

The variation of the equilibrium line altitude can be used as an indicator for glacier mass balance variability. Snow lines at the end of the ablation period are suitable proxies for the annual equilibrium line altitude on glaciers. We investigate snow lines at Purogangri ice cap on the central Plateau in order to study the interannual variability of glacier mass balance. Datasets of the daily Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer snow product MOD10A1 were used to infer transient snow line variability during 2001–2012 and to derive regional‐scale, annual equilibrium line altitude. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer snow albedo embedded within the snow product was compared with high‐resolution Landsat imagery. An albedo threshold was established to differentiate between ice and snow and the 13th percentile of the altitudes of snow‐covered pixels was chosen to represent the snow line altitude. The second maximum of the snow line altitudes in the ablation period was taken as a proxy for the annual equilibrium line altitude. A linear correlation analysis was carried out (1) between interannual variability of the equilibrium line altitude at Purogangri ice cap and various climate elements derived from the High Asia Reanalysis, and (2) between interannual variability of the equilibrium line altitude and the circulation indices North Atlantic Oscillation and Indian Summer Monsoon. Results suggest that air temperature and meridional wind speed above ground in July, as well as the lower tropospheric zonal wind in June and August play a crucial role in the development of the annual equilibrium line altitude.     

Densification and grain coarsening of melting snow

A field work was conducted at Moshiri in Japan. The work included intensive snow pit work, taking snow grain photos, recording snow and air temperatures, as well as measuring snow water content. By treating the snow as a viscous fluid, it is found that the snow compactive viscosity decreases as the density increases, which is opposite to the relation for dry snow. Based on the measurements of snow grain size, it is shown that, similar to the watersaturated snow, the frequency distributions of grain size at different times almost have the same shape. This reveals that the waterunsaturated melting snow holds the same graincoarsening behavior as the watersaturated snow does. It is also shown that the waterunsaturated melting snow coarsens much more slowly than the watersaturated snow. The C value, which is the viscosity when the snow density is zero, is related to the mean grain size and found to decrease with increasing grain size. The decreasing rate of C value increases with decreasing graincoarsening rate.     

On the frequency of lake-effect snowfall in the Catskill Mountains

Meltwater from snow that falls in the Catskill/Delaware watershed in the Catskill Mountains in south-central New York contributes to reservoirs that supply drinking water to approximately nine million people in and near New York City (NYC). Using the Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) 4-km snow maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ice Center, we identified and tracked 28 lake-effect (LE) storms that deposited snow in the Catskills (2004–2017). These storms, which generally originated from Lake Ontario, but sometimes from Lake Erie, represent an underestimate of the number of LE storms that contribute snowfall to the Catskills snowpack because snowstorms are not visible on IMS maps when they travel over already-snow-covered terrain. Using satellite, meteorological (including NEXRAD and National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program), and reanalysis data, we identified conditions that contributed to the LE snowstorms and mapped snow-cover extent (SCE) following the storms. We show that LE snow makes an important contribution to the Catskills snowpack because of the frequency of events, even though the total amount of each event may, on average, be small. The IMS 4-km maps tend to overestimate SCE compared to MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer and Landsat snow maps. Climate change could impact LE storms and the distribution of rain versus snow in the Catskills, which may affect future reservoir operations in the NYC Water Supply System and winter recreation in the Catskills.     

2013-2014年夏季南极普里兹湾海面反照率走航观测研究

在 2013—2014年南半球夏季时对南极普里兹湾海区的反照率进行了走航观测。利用安装于破冰船船头的高光谱辐照度计测量入射和反射的350—920 nm的太阳短波辐射, 基于此观测数据, 经计算得到了反照率。分析比较不同下垫面的反照率, 通过比较不同航段的观测结果, 得到了反照率的空间变化以及从海冰融化期至冻结初期的变化。不同下垫面的反照率差异较大, 有积雪覆盖的固定冰反照率最大, 有积雪覆盖的浮冰其次, 而积雪融化的浮冰则反照率有所降低。新冰的反照率较低, 有积雪覆盖的新冰反照率迅速增加。比较不同波段的反照率, 发现融化期由于积雪含水量较大, 增加了对近红外辐射的吸收, 降低了该波段的反照率。结合卫星遥感(AMSR-2)和人工观测的海冰密集度, 发现区域平均的反照率主要取决于海冰密集度, 然而也受下垫面物理特征影响, 例如2月底至3月初形成的新冰, 反照率只有老冰的1/3— 1/2。新冰形成, 会直接增加海冰密集度, 但由于其反照率较低, 对空间平均反照率的贡献较小。因此, 若要建立合理的冰水混合区的反照率参数化方案, 必须充分考虑海冰类型和冰面积雪的物理状态, 并考虑反照率的波长依赖性。     

欧亚大陆冬季雪深的时空演变特征及其影响因子分析

利用美国冰雪资料中心(National Snow and Ice Data Center)提供的前苏联1948~1994年逐日积雪深度资料,定义了冬季雪深增量的概念,探讨了欧亚大陆秋末雪深、冬季雪深、冬季雪深增量的时空演变规律,通过比较分析三者的异常变化特征,揭示了三者之间可能存在的联系。经验正交函数分解(EOF)结果表明:欧亚大陆冬季雪深、冬季雪深增量的第一模态的空间分布特征均为大致以50°N为界的南北反相变化,欧亚大陆北部的积雪深度和冬季雪深增量都呈现出一致性的变化趋势;两者对应的时间序列均反映了显著的年代际变化特征,且年代际转变均发生在20世纪70年代中期前后。第二模态则呈现出欧亚大陆东、西部反相的偶极型空间分布特征。进一步分析表明,欧亚大陆秋末雪深无论从空间分布还是时间演变来看与冬季雪深几乎不存在相关性。欧亚大陆冬季雪深变化主要是冬季雪深增量影响所致,与秋末雪深无关。     

基于FY-3的格陵兰岛冰盖表面冻融探测方法研究

格陵兰岛的冰盖对全球气候有着极为重要的意义,冰盖的冻融情况可直观展示北极地区的气候变化状况。利用我国FY-3气象卫星的微波成像仪(Microwave Radiation Imager,MWRI)数据,基于增加干湿雪差异性的交叉极化比率(Cross-Polarized Gradient Ratio,XPGR)算法,通过支持向量机(Support Vector Machine,SVM)的超平面进行格陵兰岛冰盖表面冻融探测,与已有的阈值方法相比,理论上精度较高。与微波辐射计(Special Sensor Microwave Image,SSM/I)(阈值为–0.025)的数据结果进行对比验证,结果表明:XPGR结合SVM的格陵兰岛冰盖表面冻融探测方法是可行的。     

Intra-annual variability of satellite observed surface albedo associated with typical land cover types in China

Surface albedo is a primary causative variable associated with the process of surface energy exchange. Numerous studies have examined diurnal variation of surface albedo at a regional scale; however, few studies have analyzed the intra-annual variations of surface albedo in concurrence with different land cover types. In this study, we amalgamated surface albedo product data (MCD43) from 2001 to 2008, land-use data (in 2000 and 2008) and land cover data (in 2000); quantitative analyses of surface albedo variation pertaining to diverse land cover types and the effect of the presence/absence of ground snow were undertaken. Results indicate that intra-annual surface albedo values exhibit flat Gaussian or triangular distributions depending upon land cover types. During snow-free periods, satellite observed surface albedo associated with the non-growing season was lower than that associated with the growing season. Satellite observed surface albedo during the presence of ground snow period was 2-4 times higher than that observed during snow-free periods. Surface albedo reference values in typical land cover types have been calculated; notably, grassland, cropland and built-up land were associated with higher surface albedo reference values than barren while ground snow was present. Irrespective of land cover types, the lowest surface albedo reference values were associated with forested areas. Proposed reference values may prove extremely useful in diverse research areas, including ecological modeling, land surface process modeling and radiation energy balance applications.     

Snow accumulation distribution on Spitsbergen, Svalbard, in 1997

A survey of the regional snow accumulation variability on Spitsbergen, Svalbard, was carried out during three field campaigns in May 1997. The survey was carried out along three transects from west-to-east approcimately at the following latitudes: 77°30', 78° and 78°50'degrees north. The altitudes span from sea level to 1000 metres elevation. Snow depth was measured with two different ground-penetrating radar systems, PulsEKKO (450 MHz) and GSSI SIR System-2 (500 MHz), pulled behind snow machines. Snow characteristics such as snow temperature, snow density and stratigraphy were measured in snow pits in nine areas, three along each transect. Our data suggest the following: (1)the accumulation-elevation gradients vary from 3 mm/100 m in the northeast to 237 mm/100 min the central-south with an average value of 104 mm/100m for all measurements: (2)snow accumulation was 38 to 49% higher at the eastern coast than at the western coast; (3) a clear minimum in accumulation (or continental climate) is seen for the central (inland) locations in the middle and northern transects while no such minimum exists along the southern transect; (4) a south-to-north gradient produces 55% and 40% less snow accumulation at the northern locations compared to the southern locations at the western and eastern coasts, respectively. These drops in winter snow accumulation occur over a distance of less than 200 km.