Measurement of Temperature Gradient in Seasonal Snowpack using Improved Automated Temperature Profiler (Review Paper)

  • Rajiv Kumar Das Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
  • Rajesh Kumar Garg Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
  • Ashwagosha Ganju Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.379
Keywords: Snowpack, Standalone, temperature profiler, Thermistor.

Abstract

Snow temperature profile is an important input parameter for assessing the thermal state of snowpack. The individual layers of a snowpack can be weakened by various metamorphic processes occurring due to temperature gradient present within the snowpack and may result in avalanche hazard. The profile of snowpack temperatures also affects snowmelt runoff magnitude and timing, and hence, may cause wet avalanches. The design of an automated instrument for the measurement of snow temperature profiles in a snowpack is discussed. The instrument was designed to operate in stand-alone mode and is capable of measuring and logging data of twelve vertical temperature-sensing probes throughout the winter. It is suitable for measurement of snow temperature profiles in areas which are inaccessible to human during winters. The design considerations, field deployment, results, and future scope of work for the instrument is discussed in detail.

Defence Science Journal, 2011, 61(6), pp.554-558, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.379

Author Biographies

Rajiv Kumar Das, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
Mr Rajiv Kumar Das obtained his BTech (Electronics & Comm Engg.) from NIT Hamirpur, in 2000 and ME (Electronics Engg.) from PEC, Chandigarh, in 2009. Presently, he is working as Scientist ‘D’ at Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE), Chandigarh. He has acquired expertise in Automatic Weather Stations and his areas of interest include: Meteorological instrumentation, wireless sensor networks and robotics.
Rajesh Kumar Garg, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
Mr Rajesh Kumar Garg obtained his BTech (Electronics & Comm Engg) from REC Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
University, Shimla, in 1993 and MTech (Microwave Electronics) in 2002 from University of Delhi. Presently working as Scientist ‘E’ at SASE, Chandigarh. His areas of interest include: Automatic snow telemetry network, microwave radiometers and ground penetrating radar.
Ashwagosha Ganju, Snow & Avalanche Study Establishment, Chandigarh
Mr Ashwagosha Ganju obtained his Masters in Geology in 1982 from Punjab University, Chandigarh, and presently working as Director, SASE, Manali. He has more than 24 years of research experience in cold regions science and engineering with specialisation in avalanche forecasting, statistical and AI-based snowcover modelling, snow hydrology, and artificial triggering of avalanches using explosives.
Published
2011-10-28
How to Cite
Das, R., Garg, R., & Ganju, A. (2011). Measurement of Temperature Gradient in Seasonal Snowpack using Improved Automated Temperature Profiler (Review Paper). Defence Science Journal, 61(6), 554-558. https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.61.379
Issue
Vol 61 No 6
Section
Review Papers
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