The role of advection in the energy balance of late-lying snowfields: Niwot Ridge, Front Range, Colorado

摘要: Measured profiles of temperature, humidity, and wind above alpine tundra are used as upwind boundary conditions in a numerical model for simulating turbulent transfer over late-laying snow. Resulting simulations indicate that (1) sensible heat flux comprises the major source melt energy, although its relative importance vis-a-vis latent depends upon ambient weather conditions, (2) advected contributes greatly to energy balance late-lying Near leading edge snowfield, advection may contribute more than 30 MJ m−2 d−1 on very windy day 12 relatively windless day. The totals decrease circa 5 2 at distance 1000 m from edge. These findings suggest exceed net radiation available melting snow environments.