Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-195
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2022-195
02 Dec 2022
 | 02 Dec 2022
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal TC but the revision was not accepted.

Light absorbing particles and snow aging feedback enhances albedo reduction on the Southwest Greenland ice sheet

Isatis M. Cintron-Rodriguez, Åsa K. Rennermalm, Susan Kaspari, and Sasha Leidman

Abstract. Greenland’s ice sheet mass loss rate has tripled since the mid-1950s in concert with sharply lowered albedo leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and enhanced surface melt. Snow and ice melt driven by solar absorption is enhanced by the presence of light absorbing particles (LAPs), such as black carbon (BC) and dust. Yet, the LAP impact on melt is poorly constrained, partly due to scarce availability of in-situ measurements. Here, we present a survey of snow properties and LAPs deposited in winter snow layers at five sites in southwest Greenland collected in May 2017. At these sites, BC and dust concentrations were 0.62 ± 0.35 ng g-1 and 2.09 ± 1.60 µg g-1, respectively. By applying the SNICAR model, we show the LAP influence on albedo through the combined effect of surface darkening and snow metamorphism. While the LAP concentrations are low, they result in a 1.7 % and 3.0 % reduction in albedo within the visible spectrum for spring and summer, respectively. Past studies have shown that even minor LAP induced albedo reductions, if widespread, can have a large impact on the overall surface mass balance. SNICAR simulations constrained by our measurements show that LAP-snow aging feedback reduce albedo reduction 4 to 10 times more than previously thought, therefore LAPs are likely a significant contributor to Greenland's accelerated mass loss. As far as we know, this is the first field study to consider the LAP impact on snow aging on the Greenland ice sheet.

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Isatis M. Cintron-Rodriguez, Åsa K. Rennermalm, Susan Kaspari, and Sasha Leidman

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on tc-2022-195', Raf Antwerpen, 06 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on tc-2022-195', Anonymous Referee #2, 10 Jan 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on tc-2022-195', Raf Antwerpen, 06 Jan 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on tc-2022-195', Anonymous Referee #2, 10 Jan 2023
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC2', Isatis M. Cintron Rodriguez, 05 May 2023
Isatis M. Cintron-Rodriguez, Åsa K. Rennermalm, Susan Kaspari, and Sasha Leidman
Isatis M. Cintron-Rodriguez, Åsa K. Rennermalm, Susan Kaspari, and Sasha Leidman

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Short summary
Snow and ice melt driven by solar absorption is enhanced by the presence of light-absorbing particles (LAPs), such as black carbon (BC) and dust. Previous studies have ruled out LAP as an important Greenland's albedo reduction and accelerated mass loss rate factor. However, most simulations only take into consideration LAP direct effects. This study shows that taking into account LAP impact on snow metamorphism leads to albedo reductions 4 to 10 times larger than previously thought.