Unit 8

Snow-melt processes and runoff generation

This unit discusses the step from snow-cover to runoff generation.

Goals

The goal of this unit is to discuss and quantify the processes of snow-melt and runoff generation

After successful completion of this unit students will be able to

  1. Create a snow pack energy balance
  2. Discuss the energy exchange processes and their relative importance under various conditions
  3. Explain the snow-melt process and calculate snow-melt rates
  4. Distinguish between the unsaturated and saturated zone
  5. Explain the flow in the unsaturated and basal saturated zone
  6. Discuss snow-melt runoff generation

Students’ tasks

  1. Read Dingman’s Chapter 5.5 to 5.6.2(included)
  2. Fill out the questionnaire
  3. Solve the problems assigned at your class level in this Unit 8 Applications task sheet, scan and submit the solutions by Thursday 2359 Alaska Time.

Optional work

Read Chapter 4.6.3.2 in Mölders and Kramm, 2014, Lectures in Meteorology.

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