Snowpack characteristics of Vestfonna and De Geerfonna (Nordaustlandet, Svalbard) - a spatiotemporal analysis based on multiyear snow-pit data
Arctic Region ; Cold area ; Interannual variability ; Polar region ; Snow ; Snow cover ; Spatial analysis ; Stratigraphy ; Svalbard ; Temperature
The AA. present snow cover information obtained from 22 snow pits that were dug on Vestfonna during 2007–2010 in spring (April/May) and summer (August). Snow-cover information acquired from 4 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 for the snowpack of Vestfonna with no apparent spatial or interannual variability. A distinctly higher value
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.