Sublimation Measurements from Tundra and Taiga Snowpack in Alaska

Authors: Stockert, Kelsey A., Kuna Engineering; Stuefer, Svetlana L., University of Alaska Fairbanks; Euskirchen, Eugenie S., University of Alaska Fairbanks

Video Presentation

Abstract

Snow sublimation plays a fundamental role in the winter water balance. To date, there are few studies that quantify sublimation by direct measurements. We use Eddy Covariance (EC) data from 2010 to 2021 to calculate sublimation from six locations in northern Alaska. Three tundra sites are located at distinct topographical locations and vegetation communities within Imnavait Creek watershed, a small Arctic watershed (2.2 sq km) on the North Slope that is underlain by continuous permafrost. Three taiga sites are selected in Interior Alaska near Fairbanks in differing permafrost conditions and ecosystems. Meteorological data at or near the EC sites were analyzed to assess how site environmental conditions control sublimation rates. Preliminary results show that mean surface sublimation rates ranged from 0.08- 0.15 mm/day and 21-35 mm/year among the six sites. This presentation will discuss daily, monthly, and annual sublimation measurements and environmental factors that control sublimation rates. The findings of this study are an important contribution to the sparse literature on Arctic and subarctic sublimation measurements and will benefit scientists in their understanding of how site conditions affect sublimation rates and the winter hydrologic cycle.

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