An automated tracer dispersal system for snow accumulation and saltation transport investigations

Abstract

New automated instrumentation to assess detailed spatial and temporal dynamics of snow accumulation and saltation transport of snow in remote, harsh environments is described. The instrumentation and techniques provide important quantitative, time dependent information which current methods are incapable of providing such as precise dating of accumulated snow layers, snow grain saltation transport distance in wind-swept environments, and characteristics of wind generated surface features. This instrument consists of an ultralow power timing system, a pneumatic system, and microsphere generators to periodically disperse a tracer of colored glass microspheres onto the snow surface. Snow sampling must be conducted before melting occurs, and subsequent identification of microspheres has shown this method is capable of providing accurate dating information with detailed spatial-resolution, as well as characterizing wind blown saltation transport of snow. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.