Snowpack characteristics of vestfonna and de geerfonna (nordaustlandet, svalbard) – a spatiotemporal analysis based on multiyear snow‐pit data

Abstract

Möller, M., Möller, R., Beaudon, É., Mattila, O.‐P., Finkelnburg, R., Braun, M., Grabiec, M., Jonsell, U., Luks, B., Puczko, D., Scherer, D. and Schneider, C., 2011. Snowpack characteristics of Vestfonna and De Geerfonna (Nordaustlandet, Svalbard) – a spatiotemporal analysis based on multiyear snow‐pit data. Geografiska Annaler, Series A: Physical Geography, 93, 273–285. DOI: 10.1111/j.1468‐0459.2011.00440.xExtensive glaciological field measurements were carried out on the ice cap Vestfonna as well as on the minor ice body De Geerfonna (Nordaustlandet, Svalbard) within the framework of IPY Kinnvika. Field campaigns were conducted during the period 2007–2010 in spring (April/May) and summer (August). In this study we compile and present snow cover information obtained from 22 snow pits that were dug on Vestfonna during this period. Locations are along two transects on the northwestern, land terminating slope of the ice cap, on its central summit, Ahlmann Summit, and at a set of several other locations in the eastern and northern part of the ice cap. Snow‐cover information acquired from four snow pits on adjacent De Geerfonna is also incorporated in this study. Field data are analysed regarding snow stratigraphy, snow density, snow hardness and snow temperature. Results reveal mean snow densities of around 400 kg m−3 for the snowpack of Vestfonna with no apparent spatial or interannual variability. A distinctly higher value of more than 450 kg m−3 was obtained for De Geerfonna. A spatial comparison of snow water equivalents above the previous end‐of‐summer surface serves for obtaining insights into the spatial distribution of snow accumulation across Vestfonna. Altitude was found to be the only significant spatial parameter for controlling snow accumulation across the ice cap.