The snowdrift pattern around a small hill in the High Arctic

Abstract

The snow distribution in complex terrain is important for the planning of infrastructure, so that large snow depths can be avoided in residential areas and in connection with roads and railroads. Numerical models can give valuable information about the snow drift pattern. Tests of model results against field data are necessary to validate the models. For this purpose, the snow distribution around a 8 m high hill is investigated. The hill is situated at 78o North at Spitsbergen in an area of low precipitation. The deposition is mainly a result of snow, which is redistributed by wind. Ground penetrating radar and a manual snow sonde are used for the snow depth measurements. The snow drifting and wind pattern in the terrain is simulated using a two-phase numerical flow model. The computed snow distribution corresponds well with the measurements. The results encourage application of numerical simulation to larger areas of complex terrain.