HEAT TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS OF NATURALLY COMPACTED SNOW,
Abstract
The heat transfer characteristics of naturally compacted snow have been determined experimentally. The results are interpreted as effective thermal conductivity k sub e and water vapor diffusivity D sub e. In contrast with the results obtained from previous investigations on unconsolidated snow, in the case of naturally compacted snow, values of k sub e and D sub e are found to be not only a function of air flow rate but also of snow density. From present as well as previous studies, it can be concluded that air flow has considerable effect on the thermal conductivity and water vapor diffusivity of unconsolidated and naturally compacted snow. It is reasonable to state that the essential factor influencing the formation of depth hoar and avalanches is a prolonged process of simultaneous heat and mass transfer due to steep temperature gradients imposed on a snow layer. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0619344
Entities
People
- Yinchao Yen
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory