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	Quick Search Author Title Abstract Nr. Schedule Nr. Programme Groups Atmospheric Sciences Biogeosciences Climate: Past, Present, Future Cryospheric Sciences Energy, Resources and the Environment Geodesy Geodynamics Geomorphology Geophysical Instrumentation Hydrological Sciences Magnetism, Palaeomagnetism, Rock Physics & Geomaterials Natural Hazards Nonlinear Processes in Geophysics Ocean Sciences Planetary and Solar System Sciences Seismology Soil System Sciences Solar-Terrestrial Sciences Stratigraphy, Sedimentology and Paleontology Tectonics and Structural Geology Volcanology, Geochemistry, Petrology & Mineralogy Union Symposia Educational Symposia   Information - CR12 Mass and energy balance of snow and ice Event Information The theme of this session is the mass and energy balance of snow and ice bodies (including debris-covered glaciers) in high-latitude and high-altitude regions. The response of snow covers, glaciers and ice sheets to meteorological and climatic forcing, their role within the climate system, and the generation of melt water resources define the scientific background for this session. In particular, the session focuses on mass and energy exchange processes controlling spatial and temporal variations in surface melting and accumulation. Results from field studies, remote sensing analyses and numerical models of surface layer meteorology, surface energy fluxes, accumulation and ablation are within the scope of this session. The unique physical properties of snow and ice largely control mass and energy exchange with the atmosphere. The radiation budget of these surfaces is completely different compared to any other terrestrial surface due to generally high albedo values, and the fact that snow and ice temperatures cannot exceed 0°C. This limit is also of relevance to the sensible heat flux, often causing stable conditions in the surface layer during times of highest energy input. Katabatic flows, almost continuously present over tilted snow and ice surfaces, complicate the application of existing methods to quantify turbulent fluxes. The cooling influence of snow and ice bodies also implies that the temperature response of the surface layer to a warmer climate is less than unity, which has consequences for the downscaling of climate forecasts from global circulation models. Surface mass and energy fluxes of snow and ice bodies are closely coupled with each other by melt and refreeze processes. The latter are difficult to quantify leading to uncertainties in the mass balance of glaciers and ice sheets. The need for improved methods for determining their mass and energy balance is accentuated by the remoteness of many areas where they form important phenomena of the natural environment. Preliminary List of Solicited Speakers Co-Sponsorship General Statement The information contained hereafter has been compiled and uploaded by the Session Organizers via the "Organizer Session Form". The Session Organizers have therefore the sole responsibility that this information is true and accurate at the date of publication, and the conference organizer cannot accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made, and he makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with regard to the material published. Back to Session Programme

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