Snow Banks Research Articles

Spatial and temporal variability analysis of snow cover parameters according to the urbanized area profile system

The purpose of the study is to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of snow cover parameters in the urbanized area of the city of Irkutsk and its adjacent areas according to the system of profiles reflecting the features of the area microrelief. Field surveys were conducted in accordance with standard recommendations for snow and geochemical surveys. Snow sampling was carried out at the entire snow depth, with the exception of the snow depth of 0.5-1 cm. Sampling points located at least 25 meters away from the roads. Snow sampling in the residential areas of the city was carried out in the places with undisturbed snow cover and free from extraneous snow banks and landfills. Global Mapper, Golden Software Surfer, Statistica software were used to carry out statistical analysis, build the models of profile sections and obtain the diagrams of snow cover parameter distribution. A 3D relief model was obtained on the basis of radar topographic survey data, which revealed a multiple formation relief of the studied area featuring mountains, high plains with undulating flat gently sloping watersheds, valleys, hollows and depressions. The height difference is up to 230 m. The diagrams of snow depth distribution built with regard to the profiles made it possible to identify the territories with the deepest snow cover. A geochemical analysis of the melt water filtrate was carried out over a three-year period. In 2021 a high correlation with electrical conductivity was found for the contents of tungsten, sodium, bromine, calcium, molybdenum, sulfur, barium, magnesium, antimony, tantalum, cesium, titanium, chromium, and silicon. The average correlation level with electrical conductivity was recorded for arsenic, copper, and lead. The analysis data obtained indicate a different contamination level of the area as a result of atmospheric precipitation in those years due to the activity of industrial facilities. The distribution patterns of the pH snow index have been revealed. It is shown that zones with pH<6 are mostly confined to the Irkutsk aluminum smelter. The zones with pH >6 are caused by the influence of the power plants using hydrocarbon fuels: gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, diesel fuel, coal. The snow cover was subjected to field and laboratory studies using GIS technologies and physico-chemical methods. The distribution and migration of pollutants in various spatial and temporal aspects have been revealed taking into account the terrain relief. The conducted study opens up opportunities for modeling the landscape structure, taking into account meteorological parameters, phenological processes and snow cover state for the purposes of the national economy and the location of construction of various facilities.

Soilscapes and geoenvironments at Stansbury Peninsula, Nelson Island, maritime Antarctica

Considering that the extreme variation in Antarctica’s climate has important effects on soil properties and distribution, characterizing and mapping surface landforms in ice-free areas is strategic. We aimed to evaluate the pedogenetic processes, as well as classify and map the different types of soils at Stansbury Peninsula (ST), Nelson Island. In order to stratify the whole environment area of the Peninsula, we used the geosystems’ approach, identifying the landscape unit of geoenvironment. We mapped geoenvironments and soils, performing physical–chemical and mineralogical characterizations. Our results suggest that compared to other islands in the South Shetlands, the active layer at Stansbury is thin, so that it is more susceptible to climate change, representing a Key monitoring site for climate change studies. The northwestern area of Stansbury Peninsula is the preferential area for marine birds, mammals nesting and resting places. Hence, higher values of nutrients are recorded in their soils. The climate at ST is harsh due to strong northwest polar winds, which promote widespread wind ablation, erosion and contribute to physical weathering, with a high prevalence of periglacial processes under wet conditions, which is typical of this zone of South Shetlands areas, exposed to the Drake passage. Soils at ST are predominantly skeletal, gravelly, with little organic matter and little fauna activity, poor vegetation cover, and high levels of base saturation suggesting limited weathering of volcanic rocks. Soils display a strong characteristic of physical weathering due freezing and thawing process, resulting in typical patterned ground (cryoturbation forming Cryosols), under active periglacial processes. The unique proglacial and periglacial geoenvironments of Stansbury are influenced by melting water and widespread snow banks, under wet polar oceanic climate condition.

Experimental investigations of snow bank formation during milling and rotary snow blower operation

The main purpose of this paper is to identify basic regularities of snow bank formation when using milling and rotary snow blowers. The study of the mechanism of snow bank formation was based on experimental investigations of the throwing machine rotor of the low-powered milling and rotary snow blower. Moistened sawdust was used as artificial snow. As the result of the conducted investigations, the nature of the snow bank formation has been determined and the regression equations for the distribution of the number of particles, total mass and average mass of individual particles of the material simulating one specific type of snow along the length of the snow bank have been obtained. The relative amount of the material transported by the rotor in relation to the total amount of material loaded into the rotor for the specified geometric and kinematic parameters of the rotor of the throwing machine has been found. The dependencies obtained make it possible to carry out simulation and visualization of snow bank formation during snow clearing operations, to choose the most rational parameters of the throwing machine of the milling and rotary snow blower, as well as to specify the strategy of snow clearing operations with the application of milling and rotary snow blowers.

Application of thermal deformation analysis for melting phenomenon of snow bank

Application of thermal deformation analysis for melting phenomenon of snow bank

Grounded icebergs as maternity denning habitat for polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in North and Northeast Greenland

This study provides the first documentation of polar bear (Ursus maritimus) maternity denning in snowdrifts around icebergs frozen into the fast ice or grounded on the seafloor. Based on six den observations in north and northeast Greenland during spring surveys in 2018 and 2019 (109 flight hours), together with observations of 20 adult females with 35 cubs of the year (COYs) in adjacent sea ice, we hypothesize that the use of snowdrifts around icebergs for maternity denning is an established behavior in the region and not a random event. Factors influencing maternity denning in snowdrifts around icebergs may include limited suitable drifts on the nearby terrestrial polar desert due to low precipitation, the presence of suitable wind-blown snow banks regardless of the direction of autumn storm winds, cold and stable habitat throughout the winter denning period, and access to ringed seal (Pusa hispida) pupping habitat in the nearby Northeast Water polynya. This type of maternity denning habitat is only available in glaciated regions of the Arctic where marine-terminating glaciers deposit melange large enough to become grounded offshore and remain in place for months or years. This habitat may become less stable or disappear with long-term climate warming.

Microbial connectivity and sorting in a High Arctic watershed.

Aquatic ecosystems in the High Arctic are facing unprecedented changes as a result of global warming effects on the cryosphere. Snow pack is a central feature of northern landscapes, but the snow microbiome and its microbial connectivity to adjacent and downstream habitats have been little explored. To evaluate these aspects, we sampled along a hydrologic continuum at Ward Hunt Lake (latitude 83°N) in the Canadian High Arctic, from snow banks, water tracks in the permafrost catchment, the upper and lower strata of the lake, and the lake outlet and its coastal marine mixing zone. The microbial communities were analyzed by high-throughput sequencing of 16 and 18S rRNA to determine the composition of potentially active Bacteria, Archaea and microbial Eukarya. Each habitat had distinct microbial assemblages, with highest species richness in the subsurface water tracks that connected the melting snow to the lake. However, up to 30% of phylotypes were shared along the hydrologic continuum, showing that many taxa originating from the snow can remain in the active fraction of downstream microbiomes. The results imply that changes in snowfall associated with climate warming will affect microbial community structure throughout all spatially connected habitats within snow-fed polar ecosystems.

INVITATION

1 0 9 R I N V I T A T I O N H A I L E Y L E I T H A U S E R ‘An entourage of slovenly blondes’ – Jay Hopler Slovenly blondes, mussed and unbuttoned, in feathering snow, in ice-burst of spring, in cloudless, unsparing summer – slatternly, come! Catchpenny, gaudy, untethered by girdle, in wind-shatter storms of September, in charring of fields – torn-stocking, come! Lipstick-smeared, loose-bosomed, huddled at awnings, shadowing storefronts, in twilight’s first quiet flicker of neon – lush-frowsy, lax and ambrosial, sidle and steal in your undulant plodding, pale across lawns, dumb as white ox 1 1 0 Y to your beauty, for I’ve become burdened and wearied with hope chests of linens smoothed dull as a snow bank, tissue-wrapped hosiery, unsnagged and untrammeled, immaculate collars, tidy peignoirs, sweaters that wait each day to be sullied, full bureaus of blouses, frail and unstained. ...

The transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during rainfall and snowmelt in contrasting landscapes

Though it has been established that stream concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban watersheds can be much greater than those in less developed watersheds, knowledge of transport mechanisms is lacking, particularly in temperate, Northern climates with seasonal snow packs. We combine high-resolution stream water sampling with air, suspended solid and stream flow monitoring to investigate the source to stream transport of PAHs during rainfall and snowmelt in paired watersheds with contrasting land use. Despite similar particle loads, contamination of particles that is 8–48 times higher in the urban watersheds leads to area-normalized loads of PAHs that are 6–82 times greater than in the agricultural watersheds. In the urban watershed, average volumetric storm flow concentrations increase with longer antecedent dry period that allows build-up of PAHs on watershed surfaces. Cluster analysis suggests road dust is a minor source of suspended solid-bound PAHs in more agricultural watersheds during rainfall. During snowmelt, earlier peaks in concentration in the urban watershed are likely due to melt from snow packs and snow banks travelling quickly to the stream network via impervious surfaces and sewer drains. While road-derived inputs also appear to be important during snowmelt in the agricultural watershed, relatively delayed peak concentrations result from delayed inputs from snow packs in more pervious areas of the watershed.

Internal structure of two alpine rock glaciers investigated by quasi-3-D electrical resistivity imaging

Abstract. Interactions between different formative processes are reflected in the internal structure of rock glaciers. Therefore, the detection of subsurface conditions can help to enhance our understanding of landform development. For an assessment of subsurface conditions, we present an analysis of the spatial variability of active layer thickness, ground ice content and frost table topography for two different rock glaciers in the Eastern Swiss Alps by means of quasi-3-D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). This approach enables an extensive mapping of subsurface structures and a spatial overlay between site-specific surface and subsurface characteristics. At Nair rock glacier, we discovered a gradual descent of the frost table in a downslope direction and a constant decrease of ice content which follows the observed surface topography. This is attributed to ice formation by refreezing meltwater from an embedded snow bank or from a subsurface ice patch which reshapes the permafrost layer. The heterogeneous ground ice distribution at Uertsch rock glacier indicates that multiple processes on different time domains were involved in the development. Resistivity values which represent frozen conditions vary within a wide range and indicate a successive formation which includes several advances, past glacial overrides and creep processes on the rock glacier surface. In combination with the observed topography, quasi-3-D ERI enables us to delimit areas of extensive and compressive flow in close proximity. Excellent data quality was provided by a good coupling of electrodes to the ground in the pebbly material of the investigated rock glaciers. Results show the value of the quasi-3-D ERI approach but advise the application of complementary geophysical methods for interpreting the results.

Seasonal Arctic Coastal Bluff Dynamics in Adventfjorden, Svalbard

The geomorphic development of mixed-type coasts, which consist of bedrock cliffs overlain by unconsolidated sediment, is poorly known in the Arctic but important for addressing long-term coastal responses and potential socio-economic implications of climate change. At Vestpynten, Svalbard, ground temperatures, erosion rates and thermo-denudation processes along a 100 m coastal transect were recorded between May 2012 and August 2014 using thermistor strings, time-lapse photography and visual observation. The results indicate that mixed-type coasts oscillate between periods of active bluff recession (lasting from weeks to months) and stability (lasting from months to years). Thermo-denudation and nivation processes are the main erosional agents during periods of active recession. The highest rates of coastal bluff crest recession (50 and 20 cm in 2012 and 2013, respectively) were observed mainly in June. Erosion was closely related to the melting of a snow bank that accumulates on the lee side of the coastal bluff in winter. Waves acted only to remove material accumulated in scree slopes at the base of the coastal bluff, and were most effective in summer and autumn. Factors controlling the erosion of mixed-type coasts in Svalbard include the relative position/elevation of bedrock and the occurrence of snow banks in winter. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Using noble gas ratios to determine the origin of ground ice

Argon, krypton and xenon have different solubilities in water, meaning their ratios in water are different from those in atmospheric air. This characteristic is used in a novel method to distinguish between ice bodies which originate from the compaction of snow (i.e. buried snow banks, glacial ice) vs. ice which forms from the freezing of groundwater (i.e. pingo ice). Ice which forms from the compaction of snow has gas ratios similar to atmospheric air, while ice which forms from the freezing of liquid water is expected to have gas ratios similar to air-equilibrated water. This analysis has been conducted using a spike dilution noble gas line with gas extraction conducted on-line. Samples were mixed with an aliquot of rare noble gases while being melted, then extracted gases are purified and cryogenically separated. Samples have been analysed from glacial ice, buried snow bank ice, intrusive ice, wedge ice, cave ice and two unknown ice bodies. Ice bodies which have formed from different processes have different gas ratios relative to their formation processes.

John Holland Martin From Picograms to Petagrams and Copepods to Climate: The Class of MS 280, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

John Holland Martin From Picograms to Petagrams and Copepods to Climate: <i>The Class of MS 280, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories</i>

Flora and vegetation of Cape Hallett and vicinity, northern Victoria Land, Antarctica

Cape Hallett (72°19′S; 170°13′E) lies at the northern end of the western coastline of the Ross Sea region, and, to date, there appears to be no full description of its terrestrial flora despite its probable importance in understanding links between biodiversity and latitude. Here we present information about lichens and mosses from published papers, herbarium collections and personal surveys for Cape Hallett and seven nearby sites. A total of 59 lichen and 11 moss species are reported for these eight sites. Cape Hallett is one of the richest sites for terrestrial biodiversity in the Ross Sea region with about 46 lichen species and nine species of bryophytes. Lichens have their greatest diversity on the upper scree and summit area (30 species, 330 m), the least within the large penguin colony at sea level (one species). The station at Cape Hallett was established in 1957, and some of the earliest ecological and ecophysiological studies in Antarctica were carried out there. Historical comparisons are possible and have revealed considerable changes in vegetation in the lower flush area, a high level of frost heave disturbance, new lichen growth rate estimates for northern Victoria Land and extreme stability of the snow banks on the scree slopes. Cape Hallett represents a very important site for studies on links between terrestrial flora and the environment as well as on possible effects of climate change.

Bud freezing resistance in alpine shrubs across snow depth gradients

Despite the importance of spring freezing events for alpine species distribution, few studies have analysed the response of alpine shrub species to early spring freezes. It is also not known how snow cover gradients influence the process of de-hardening between individuals of the same species and their vulnerability to early spring frosts. We analysed early spring freezing resistance for the buds of eight alpine Ericaceae shrubs growing at 1m snow depth at treeline in the Swiss Alps. Moreover, buds of Rhododendron ferrugineum and Loiseleuria procumbens were analysed for freezing resistance and sugar content along a snow depth gradient. The LT50 (lethal temperature for 50% of samples) of the eight species ranged from −25.1±1.6°C (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) to −11.1±1.2°C (Vaccinium uliginosum), with differences being related to the phenological stage in addition to shrub preferences for contrasting snow cover microsites. Although the effect of snow depth on the freezing resistance of plants was not significant, samples collected from 1m to 1.5m snow depth tended to be more vulnerable to freezing, particularly L. procumbens. Buds collected at shallower snow depths had higher sugar concentrations, indicative of their stronger physiological hardening. Consequently, we conclude that differences in snow cover may significantly affect the physiological hardening of plants during the onset of spring. Individuals growing at less than 0.5m snow cover are hardier, i.e., show moderately higher freezing resistance than individuals from snow banks. Snow cover is a highly important aspect of climate change, and freezing resistance in alpine plants with respect to snow conditions can be a relevant driver of plant responses to climate change.

Disappearing semi-permanent snow in the High Arctic and its consequences

AbstractSemi-permanent snow is part of the continuum between seasonal snow and glacier ice. Although ubiquitous in the High Arctic, most late-lying snow banks and snow beds have lost their perennial status over the past decade as the summers have become progressively warmer. The loss over the past decade is the most unprecedented since aerial photography of the Canadian Arctic islands was first undertaken over half a century ago, and it has produced observable thermal, hydrological and ecological impacts. Where the ground has become exposed beneath the perennial snow cover, seasonal ground thaw has deepened. Tundra ponds and patchy wetlands fed principally by meltwater in the summer have suffered water-level decline or desiccation. The water balance of headwater basins is also affected, losing a buffering vehicle that accumulates storage surplus from the wet cool years to support streamflow and evaporation in the dry warm years. The tundra vegetation, already sparse, undergoes changes in the long term. As an essential source of water in the polar desert environment, the widespread distribution of semi-permanent snow magnifies its Arctic-wide importance.

Field testing of two electronic mobility aid devices for persons who are deaf-blind

Purpose: To test a methodology for assessing the effects of electronic mobility aid devices (EMAD) on the mobility of persons who are deaf-blind in real-life situations. Method: A single-subject desing was done with four users followed in a program for persons who are deaf-blind. Participants were trained to use two commercial EMADs: the Miniguide and the Breeze. The Canadian Measure of Occupational Performance (CMOP) was administered before training (T1), after training (T2) and three months later (T3). The Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) was administered at T2 and T3. A follow-up interview was conducted with the participants and clinicians at T3 to evaluate the benefits of the EMAD and any problems. Results: CMOP suggests that both performance and satisfaction improved following the use of both EMADs in four occupations (functional mobility, active leisure, community life and socialization). QUEST indicates high satisfaction with eight items except for one participant. Follow-up interviews revealed a wide variety of perceptions regarding EMAD use and seven problems although CMOP and QUEST indicated good satisfaction. Conclusion: A high satisfaction score on QUEST does not necessarily imply that an assistive device is efficient in all circumstances; follow-up interviews provided important complementary information.Implications for RehabilitationFor people who are deaf-blindThe Miniguide is reliable for detecting obstacles (vibrations are sent as a warning when approaching an obstacle). It is often used to know if taking the right route. It identifies entrances or openings (indicated by the vibrations stopping when pointing at a wall), which can replace the echo-location for blind persons with hearing impairments. The Miniguide helped to locate overhanging objects which are not detectable with a long cane.The Breeze can record landmarks for orientation and it possible to use those landmarks to go back alone later after taking a certain route for the first time with someone else. It helps to familiarize the person with new places. It can tell you where you are at any time. It helps with orientation and the participant also liked this feature because it helped with learning street names.The Miniguide and the Breeze were not efficient in all circumstances; there were some problems with the ergonomic (both), detecting snow banks (Miniguide), sensitiveness to the surroundings in crowded places (Miniguide) and exactitude for geo-localization (Breeze).

Changes in alpine vegetation over 21 years: Are patterns across a heterogeneous landscape consistent with predictions?

One significant unanswered question about biotic responses to climate change is how plant communities within topographically complex landscapes will respond to climate change. Alpine plant communities are strongly influenced by topographic microclimates which can either buffer or compound the effects of more regional climatic changes. Here, we analyzed species changes over 20+ years in a complex alpine landscape with pronounced gradients in microtopography and consequently large variation in temperatures, snow depths, and nitrogen availability across small (10 m) scales. Using data from long‐term monitoring plots from six community types, we asked how species composition and functional diversity changed over time in these different areas of the landscape, and whether fine‐scale heterogeneity allowed species to move in response to temporal changes in the environment. We found site‐wide patterns of increasing species and functional diversity. However, the majority of variability in composition over time was non‐directional, both within and between community types. Within community types, Carex‐dominated snow banks and wet meadow communities were the most variable in composition over time, while Sibbaldia‐dominated snow banks, fellfield, dry meadow and moist meadow exhibited moderate change. Over forty percent of the plots also transitioned between community types during the census intervals, but these also were largely transient, with a shift occurring in one time interval and then shifting back in the next interval. Thus, even with evidence of directional change over time in climate, N deposition, and release from grazing, vegetation is tracking finer‐scale variability both in time and space. Environmental heterogeneity may allow vegetation to track this finer‐scale variability and enhance resilience to underlying directional changes in alpine and other topographically‐complex environments.

Internal structure and permafrost characteristics of the rock glaciers of southern carpathians (romania) assessed by geoelectrical soundings and thermal monitoring

Six rock glaciers in the outhern arpathians have been investigated by means of geoelectrical soundings in order to detect their internal stratigraphy and the existence of frozen sediments. In the case of three relict rock glaciers, the electrical resistivity measurements indicated a typical internal structure. Low resistivity values (<10-kΩm) which are typical of unfrozen fine‐grained materials were obtained, but high resistivity values (25–240-kΩm) measured in the ietroasa, Ieşu and ietrele rock glaciers denote the presence of sediments cemented by interstitial ice and ice lenses. Based on the moderate resistivity values, the ice content is probably low to medium in the upper portion of these rock glaciers, that is, above 2040 m.At two sites (ietroasa and ăiuga rock glaciers), ground surface temperature evolution was monitored using digital dataloggers. Mean annual ground surface temperature and regime throughout the winter were extracted from the recordings and confirmed the probability of permafrost occurrence in ietroasa rock glacier. In the Ieşu and ietrele rock glaciers, measurements of bottom temperatures of the winter snow cover were performed in March 2012. Considering the thick active layer, the reduced ice content and the presence of scarce vegetation on their surface it could be assumed that the permafrost exists in marginal conditions in the outhern arpathians. The ground ice in permafrost is produced by the groundwater freezing or by snow banks buried by coarse angular boulders following large rockfalls.

When Traumatic Brain Injury Is Complicated by Personality Disorders

When Traumatic Brain Injury Is Complicated by Personality Disorders

Interactions between lava and snow/ice during the 2010 Fimmvörðuháls eruption, south‐central Iceland

The 20 March–12 April basaltic effusive eruption at Fimmvörðuháls, southern Iceland, was an important opportunity to directly observe interactions between lava and snow/ice. The eruption site has local perennial snowfields and snow covered ice, and at the time of eruption it was covered with an additional ∼1–3 m of seasonal snow. Syn‐eruption observations of interactions between lava and snow/ice are grouped into four categories: (1) lava advancing directly on top of snow, (2) lava advancing on top of tephra‐covered snow, (3) snow/ice melting at lava flow margins, and (4) lava flowing beneath snow. Based on syn‐ and post‐eruption observations in 2010/11, we conclude that the features seen in the lava flow field show only limited and localized evidence for the influence of snow/ice presence during the eruption. Estimated melting rates from radiant and conductive heating at the flow fronts are too slow (on the order of 5 m/hr) to allow for complete melting of snow/ice ahead of the advancing lava flows, at least during periods of observed rapid lava advance rates (15–55 m/hr). Thus we conclude that during those periods, which largely established the aerial extent of the lava flow field, lava advanced on top of snow; that this likely was the predominant mode of lava emplacement for much of the eruption is supported by many syn‐eruption field observations. Examination of the lava flows subsequent to the eruption has so far only found subtle evidence for interactions between lava and snow/ice; for example, locally lava flows have fractured and are collapsing, or have developed marginal rubble aprons from melting of snow banks that were partly covered by lava flow margins.