Verifying Snow Spectral Albedo from the Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiation (SNICARv3) Model

Abstract:

Heightened interest in cryospheric change has spurred research advancements in radiative transfer schemes that account for enhanced snow grain metamorphism and the optical effects of particulates such as black carbon (BC) and dust. This project evaluates the third version of the Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative (SNICAR) model by first gathering experimental verification of snow spectral albedo in laboratory and in situ optical analyses of snow laden with Light Absorbing Impurities (LAIs), and then manipulating key physical characteristics such as LAI content, snow grain shape and size, and solar zenith angle (SZA) to optimize agreement with observations and assess possible model biases. Representation of key spectral characteristics and implementation of these radiative transfer schemes into Earth System Models (ESMs) have widespread implications on climate forcing and response, affecting the timing of spring snowmelt, the impact of anthropogenic pollution on snow cover, and the strength of the global snow albedo feedback.