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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Boise, Idaho » Northwest Watershed Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #174586
Title: EDDY Covariance (EC) over snow in a mountainous environment to determine sensible and latent heat and mass fluxes

Author
item REBA, MICHELE - UNIV OF IDAHO
item Marks, Daniel
item LINK, TIMOTHY - UNIV OF IDAHO
item Winstral, Adam

Submitted to: American Geophysical Union
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2004
Publication Date: 9/5/2004
Citation: Reba, M.L., Marks, D., Link, T., and Winstral, A. 2004. Eddy Covariance (EC) over snow in a moutainous environment to determine sensible and latent heat and mass fluxes, EOS Transactions of the American Geophysical Union, Vol 85 (47): F446 (CD_ROM abstract)

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Sensible and latent heat and mass fluxes can represent a significant component of the snowcover energy and mass balance in mountain environments. Though these fluxes are computed in energy balance snow models, few measurements exist for comparison or validation. This research investigates the methodology required and problems associated with the direct measurement of sensible and latent heat flux over snow. The sensible and latent heat and mass fluxes can be determined directly from the turbulent fluctuations measured by fast-response sensors using eddy covariance (EC) theory. The general site considerations and specific weather conditions common to mountain catchments that affect EC data collection over snow is explored. Corrections and post-processing of eddy covariance data is discussed. Examples from established EC measurement sites under adverse and optimal conditions will be presented. The two primary EC study sites are located in southwestern Idaho in a small headwater catchment of the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, located approximately 80 km southwest of Boise, Idaho. A protected, below canopy site is located within a stand of aspen trees, and an exposed site is located on a ridge over big mountain sagebrush. The study investigates the conditions under which EC instrument systems can be used in mountainous, snow-dominated environments, the processing required to prepare the data for analysis, and several examples of post-processed data collected over snow. This research will improve our understanding of how heat and mass flux from the snowcover may impact water resources under the variable and changing climate conditions so common in the Western US.