The interpretation of albedo measurements on a snowcovered slope (original) (raw)

Summary

Strong, regular variations of horizontal measured shortwave albedo on a snow-covered slope are explained, assuming an infinite slope with isotropic reflection. An algorithm, which combines direct, diffuse and reflected radiation with this simplified geometry shows that values of measured albedo greater than 1 are possible even in nearly flat terrain at low solar elevation angles. Difficulties, which arise, when the term albedo is applied to complex terrain are discussed.

Zusammenfassung

Starke, regelmäßige Tagesgänge der horizontal gemessenen, kurzwelligen Albedo eines schneebedeckten Hanges werden durch die Annahme einer unendlich ausgedehnten, geneigten Fläche mit isotroper Reflexion erklärt. Eine Gleichung, welche die direkte, diffuse und reflektierte Strahlung mit dieser vereinfachten Geometrie verbindet, zeigt, daß gemessene Albedowerte größer 1 bei niedrigem Sonnenstand auch in fast horizontalem Gelände möglich sind. Die Schwierigkeiten, die sich bei der Anwendung des Begriffes Albedo auf ein nicht ebenes Gelände ergeben, werden diskutiert.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Institut für Meteorologie und Geophysik, Universität Innsbruck, Austria
   H. Mannstein
2. Institut für Physik der Atmosphäre, DFVLR Oberpfaffenhofen, D-8031, Wessling, Germany
   H. Mannstein

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Mannstein, H. The interpretation of albedo measurements on a snowcovered slope.Arch. Met. Geoph. Biocl., Ser. B 36, 73–81 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02269458

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• Received: 15 September 1984
• Revised: 19 December 1984
• Issue date: March 1985
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02269458

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