Progressing Pollutant Elution from Snowpack and Evolution of its Physicochemical Properties During Melting Period-a Case Study From the Sudetes, Poland.

Daniel Kępski,Żaneta Polkowska,Katarzyna Grudzińska,Marek Błaś,Mieczysław Sobik

doi:10.1007/s11270-016-2797-z

Abstract

Main aim of the work assumed recognition of physicochemical changes in snowpack occurring during the melting period. Properties of snow cover had been identified at two sites in Western Sudetes mountains (860 and 1228 m asl) in SW Poland since the end of January, and monitored until the disappearance of snow in late Spring. Snow pit measurements and sample collection at both sites were made followed by chemical analyses with the use of ionic chromatography. The results were compared for subsequent stages of snowpack evolution. Thermometers installed above the ground during summer in one site (860 m asl) helped to identify the thermal gradient existing inside snow during winter. During studies, special attention was paid to the pollutant elution with determination the different release rates of individual ions from the snow cover. Results of chemical analysis showed that during the thaw, the first portions of meltwater were responsible for drainage into the ground a substantial part of the impurities. During the first two weeks of thaw at higher elevated site, pollutants released from the snow cover load amounted to 123.5 mMol·m−2. In those days, there was a release to the ground of approximately 74, 74, and 57 %, respectively of H+, NO3−, and SO42− ions contained in the snow cover, while only 14 % of snow mass in the form of meltwater was released.

Highlights

Snow cover is a specific Bwarehouse^ of atmospheric pollutants, and, for this reason, it is especially important in higher parts of mountains, where snow may constantly persist for a few months
This paper shows that the weather pattern has a great impact on the rate of the pollutant release from the snow cover
Results from Western Sudetes showed much higher concentration of pollutants than in similar studies conducted in other parts of world, but release of pollutants proceeded ordinarily according to the results of previous research papers, with faster elution of sulfuric and nitrogen than chloride ions

Summary

Introduction

Snow cover is a specific Bwarehouse^ of atmospheric pollutants, and, for this reason, it is especially important in higher parts of mountains, where snow may constantly persist for a few months. The existing snow cover is built, besides solid precipitation particles, of any forms of hydrometeors deposited on the surface both in a solid and liquid physical state. Very important is the redistribution process of snow mass together with the contained impurities, which is effected by the occurring aeolian processes. This means reduction of pollutant deposition in places affected by snow erosion and increase, where wind-induced deposition occurs. On the snow surface, both dry and fog deposition of pollutants take place. All these processes lead to constant changes in the snow cover chemistry. Determining the composition of pollutants present in samples retrieved from snow pits, allows understanding of the role of most important factors that influence the snow chemistry on a particular terrain

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Conclusion