Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-5
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-5
04 Feb 2021
 | 04 Feb 2021
Status: this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors.

Effect of ephemeral snow cover on the active layer thermal regime and thickness on CALM-S JGM site, James Ross Island, eastern Antarctic Peninsula

Filip Hrbáček, Zbyněk Engel, Michaela Kňažková, and Jana Smolíková

Abstract. This study aims to assess the role of ephemeral snow cover on ground thermal regime and active layer thickness in two ground temperature measurement profiles on the Circumpolar Active Layer Monitoring Network – South (CALM-S) JGM site on James Ross Island, eastern Antarctic Peninsula during the high austral summer 2018. The snowstorm of 13–14 January created a snowpack of recorded depth of up to 38 cm. The snowpack remained on the study site for 12 days in total and covered 46 % of its area six days after the snowfall. It directly affected ground thermal regime in a study profile AWS-JGM while the AWS-CALM profile was snow-free. The thermal insulation effect of snow cover led to a decrease of mean summer ground temperatures on AWS-JGM by ca 0.5–0.7 °C. Summer thawing degree days at a depth of 5 cm decreased by ca 10 % and active layer was ca 5–10 cm thinner when compared to previous snow-free summer seasons. Surveying by ground penetrating radar revealed a general active layer thinning of up to 20 % in those parts of the CALM-S which were covered by snow of > 20 cm depth for at least six days.

This preprint has been withdrawn.

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Filip Hrbáček, Zbyněk Engel, Michaela Kňažková, and Jana Smolíková

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on tc-2021-5', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Mar 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on tc-2021-5', Anonymous Referee #2, 12 Mar 2021

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on tc-2021-5', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Mar 2021
  • RC2: 'Comment on tc-2021-5', Anonymous Referee #2, 12 Mar 2021
Filip Hrbáček, Zbyněk Engel, Michaela Kňažková, and Jana Smolíková
Filip Hrbáček, Zbyněk Engel, Michaela Kňažková, and Jana Smolíková

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Latest update: 12 Nov 2024
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Short summary
This manuscript assesses the effect of the ephemeral snow cover occurring during high summer on ground thermal regime and active layer thickness in the cold environment of James Ross Island on Antarctic Peninsula region. We found that even short-term occurrence of relatively thick snow (> 20 cm) can significantly affect ground thermal conditions and consequently reduce the active layer thaw depth by ca 10 % when compare to snow-free conditions.