Abstract

Snowmelt can be estimated by applying an energy balance to a control volume of snow. A major problem with this method is the difficulty of obtaining accurate estimates of the turbulent transfers of sensible and latent heat. This paper uses a modified form of the Penman–Monteith equation, a combined aerodynamic–energy balance approach for calculating evaporation from vegetative surfaces, to estimate the energy available for snowmelt during large-scale advection. The modification requires knowledge of k, the ratio of the energy used for melting to the net energy available for phase changes (vaporization and melting). Comparisons between the melt flux determined by the Penman–Monteith equation and estimates derived from field measurements suggest a value of k in the range of 0·90–0·99. The modified Penman–Monteith equation is used in a detailed simulation of melting of a shallow prairie snow cover. This simulation incorporates the effects of a small-scale advection of energy from bare ground to adjacent patches. It is demonstrated that the contributions by large- and small-scale advective energy transfers to melt depend on the interactions between snow-covered area and meteorological variables. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call