Characterization of Radiative-chemical processes at the Air/Snow Interface

The primary objective of the project is to deepen knowledge of the chemical and physical processes occurring at the air-snow interface. Research activities will be carried out at the French-Italian base at Dome-C, combining different investigation methodologies based on direct ground-based, "close" distance, and satellite observations combined with radiative transfer models. The complexity of interconnected exchanges at the air-snow interface will be analyzed by considering radiative transfer and photochemistry occurring at the surface. Activities will focus on integrating observations already made at the fixed measurement station with spatial measurements of the microphysical characteristics of the snow surface (grain shape and size), surface roughness, spectral/broadband albedo, and chemical measurements of the different matrices involved (air and snow). The definition of the spatial and temporal variability of the snowpack, coupled with the detailed description already available for the fixed locations, will help to assess the impact of different types of snow cover on radiative and chemical exchanges at the air-snow interface and will allow validation of satellite products related to snow cover. Field activities will be supported by preparatory work, to be carried out in Italy, focused on technology development, measurement standardization and data analysis. Radiative measurements on the ground will be performed using a mobile sled and, simultaneously, at a fixed location. Measurements of the main photochemically active species (nitrogen and volatile organic compounds) and related atmospheric fluxes will be made in snow and air. The ultimate goal of the project will be to integrate the already available data with the new measurements to obtain more detailed knowledge about the spatial variability of snow cover.