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Abstract. Snow algae contribute to snowmelt by darkening the surface, reducing its albedo. However, the potential consequences of algae under the surface (such as after a fresh snowfall) on albedo reduction is not known. In this study, we examined the impact of sub-surface snow algae on surface energy absorption. The results indicate energy absorption across all analysed wavelength ranges when snow algae are snow-covered, an effect that was correlated with both cell densities and chlorophyll-a concentrations. These findings suggest that snow algae lower albedo and thus increase snow melt even when snow-covered.
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Close packing effects on clean and dirty snow albedo and associated climatic implications: CLOSE PACKING EFFECTS ON SNOW ALBEDO
- Award ID(s):
- 1660587
- PAR ID:
- 10028702
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Volume:
- 44
- Issue:
- 8
- ISSN:
- 0094-8276
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 3719 to 3727
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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