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| Titel |
Elevation dependency of mountain snow depth |
| VerfasserIn |
T. Grünewald, Y. Bühler, M. Lehning |
| Medientyp |
Artikel
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| Sprache |
Englisch
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| ISSN |
1994-0416
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| Digitales Dokument |
URL |
| Erschienen |
In: The Cryosphere ; 8, no. 6 ; Nr. 8, no. 6 (2014-12-20), S.2381-2394 |
| Datensatznummer |
250116395
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| Publikation (Nr.) |
 copernicus.org/tc-8-2381-2014.pdf |
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| Zusammenfassung |
| Elevation strongly affects quantity and distribution patterns of
precipitation and snow. Positive elevation gradients were identified by many
studies, usually based on data from sparse precipitation stations or snow
depth measurements. We present a systematic evaluation of the elevation–snow depth relationship. We analyse areal snow depth data obtained by remote
sensing for seven mountain sites near to the time of the maximum seasonal
snow accumulation. Snow depths were averaged to 100 m elevation bands and
then related to their respective elevation level. The assessment was
performed at three scales: (i) the complete data sets (10 km scale), (ii) sub-catchments (km scale) and (iii) slope transects (100 m scale). We show
that most elevation–snow depth curves at all scales are characterised
through a single shape. Mean snow depths increase with elevation up to a
certain level where they have a distinct peak followed by a decrease at the
highest elevations. We explain this typical shape with a generally positive
elevation gradient of snow fall that is modified by the interaction of snow
cover and topography. These processes are preferential deposition of
precipitation and redistribution of snow by wind, sloughing and avalanching.
Furthermore, we show that the elevation level of the peak of mean snow depth
correlates with the dominant elevation level of rocks (if present). |
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