Development of a one-dimensional vertical multilayer energy exchange model for blowing snow

In order to predict energy exchanges in the blowing snow layer, a simple vertical multilayer energy exchange model for blowing snow (FUBUKI model) has been developed. Fundamental elements characterizing energy exchanges in the blowing snow layer have been analyzed between 10-m and 0.1-m heights above the snow surface every 0.01-m height for friction velocities of 0.5m/s and 0.75m/s. The results reveal the following. When blowing snow occurs, wind profiles become weak. Air temperature and specific humidity change greatly near the lower layer due to increase in number of blowing snow particles. Downward shortwave radiation decreases and upward shortwave radiation increases with a decrease in height above the snow surface. Since blowing snow particles increase emissivity of the blowing snow layer, downward longwave radiation increases with an decrease in height above the snow surface and a change of upward longwave radiation is a little due to high emissivity of the snow surface. Blowing snow effects on downward longwave radiation have much in comparison with downward shortwave radiation. Although these results for fundamental elements characterizing energy exchanges in the blowing snow layer are consistent with those obtained by the field observations and the wind tunnel experiments, the reduction of the uncertainty of parameters describing the characteristics of blowing snow would require the incorporation of parameters based on systematic ground- based studies of the structure of blowing snow in specific fields.