Influence of snowpack characteristics on winter soil temperatures (Qeqertarsuaq, Kalaallit Nunaat)


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sofiarosa.bauriedl [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

Seasonal snow cover plays a critical role in regulating Arctic soil temperatures, particularly in permafrost landscapes. Its insulating properties depend not only on snow depth but also on snow density and stratigraphy. However, these characteristics remain poorly understood in Arctic environments due to limited availability of high-resolution measurements. This thesis investigates how spatial variability in snow depth and snow density influences soil temperatures (6 cm) during late winter in a Low Arctic maritime tundra landscape on Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island), Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland). The study combines high-resolution snowpack data collected with the SnowMicroPen (SMP) in April 2024 with hourly soil temperature records from 14 temperature sensors. Snow depths at the sensor locations ranged from 0.16 m to 1.10 m (mean: 0.56 m), while snowpack densities varied between 247 kg m−3 and 409 kg m−3. Average soil temperatures from October 2023 to June 2024 spanned from −4.67 °C to −0.23 °C across the site. To capture the relationship between snow cover characteristics and soil temperatures, and to assess spatial variability and uncertainty, I used Bayesian hierarchical modeling. The results how that snow depths greater than approximately 0.5 m effectively insulate the soil by dampening the impact of air temperature fluctuations, reinforcing the snowpack’s role as a thermal buffer. I also observed a positive, though more uncertain, relationship between snow density and soil temperature, suggesting that denser snow may reduce insulating capacity. These findings indicate that snow density plays an important role in Arctic ground thermal regimes, but additional high-resolution observations and further model development are needed to better quantify its effects.



Item Type
Thesis (Master)
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Primary Division
Programs
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Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
60402
DOI 10.57738/m6mz-0j91

Cite as
Bauriedl, S. R. (2025): Influence of snowpack characteristics on winter soil temperatures (Qeqertarsuaq, Kalaallit Nunaat) / J. Boike and S. Stuenzi (editors) Master thesis, doi: 10.57738/m6mz-0j91


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Citation

Campaigns
Arctic Land Expeditions > GL-Land_2022_WestGreenland
Arctic Land Expeditions > GL-Land_2023_WestGreenland
Arctic Land Expeditions > GL-Land_2024_WestGreenland


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