| Blowing snow is a frequent and significant winter weather event, and there is currently a need for more observations and measurements of blowing snow, especially in arctic and subarctic environments. A camera system has been developed to measure the size and velocity of blowing snow particles. A second camera system has been developed to measure the relative blowing snow density profile near the snow surface. These systems have been used, along with standard meteorological instruments and optical particle counters, during field campaigns at Franklin Bay, NWT, and at Churchill, MB. An electric field mill was also deployed at Franklin Bay. Results demonstrate that the particle diameters follow a Gamma distribution with 103 < d¯ < 172 mum below a height of 0.15 m and 120 < d¯ < 154 mum between 0.2 m and 1.1 m. Within the saltation layer, the mass density can be approximated by a power-law (rhos ∝ z -gamma) with an exponent of gamma ≈ 1.5 for z < 40 mm. Between 40 < z < 100 mm, in the lower suspension layer, the value of the exponent increases to a range of 1.5 < gamma 100 mm, the exponent approaches gamma ≈ l. The height of saltation shows a very weak dependence on the friction velocity, a strong dependence on temperature and relative humidity, and a weak dependence on snow age. Electric field strengths as high as 2000 V m-1 were measured at a height of 0.5 m. A model to determine electric field strength based on the distribution of blowing snow particles shows a weak agreement with measurements. Results suggest the charge is most likely generated due to either fragmentation or asymmetric rubbing, which are both strongly dependent on wind speed. Modelling studies with the Canadian Land Surface Scheme (CLASS) and previous measurements of snow depth at Goose Bay, Hay River, the Beaufort Sea, Franklin Bay, and Resolute demonstrate that blowing snow sublimation can have a substantial effect on snow depth. Adding a blowing snow parameterization to the CLASS model generally reduces snow depth error, although the analysis is complicated by underestimation of changes in snow density due to wind packing, and potentially misdiagnosed melt events. |
