Specific surface area of snow measuring instrument IceCube

specific surfaceSSAlaser

Measure the specific surface area (SSA) of snow the IceCube provides instantaneous measurements of SSA in the field. The instrument is perfectly adapted to polar conditions, with temperatures as low as -40°C. The IceCube can work for any kind of snow, from melt-freeze crusts to fresh snow. SSA range: 2 ≤ SSA ≤ 160 m2kg-1 Uncertainty: ± 10% The working principle of the IceCube relies on the relation between the infrared reflectance and the specific surface area of snow. The device illuminates a snow sample, collects the reflected light and infers the reflectance of the snow. This reflectance is then converted into SSA using a radiative transfer model and calibration using the well-established methane adsorption method. Application cases - Radiative transfer calculations - Remote sensing validation - Snow chemistry (pollutant adsorption) - Snow grain size analysis