Penetration of radiation into the snow pack

Abstract

A very sensitive pyrheliometer was designed and constructed by the author for measurement of the quantity of radiation transmitted through a snow pack. During March 1947, measurements of radiation transmission through the snow were made with this pyrheliometer at the Central Sierra Snow Laboratory. It was found that the depth to which radiation was transmitted increased as snow density increased. Absorption coefficients were obtained for snow between 20 and 40 per cent density. The presence of ice and slush in the snow surface resulted in a decreased albedo and increase in the amount of radiation absorbed. However, there was approximately 50 per cent reduction in tho amount of radiation transmitted through the ice and slush layer to lower horizons in the snow.