This is a project to study the transport, distribution and fate of chemical species in snow accumulations as they undergo metamorphism, melting and final release. The research involves carrying out intermediate-scale and bench scale experiments of solute transport followed by field-tracer studies at a well-instrumented site to verify/confirm the mathematical solute-transport models. The investigator plans on conducting image processing of snow sections at the Center for Remote Sensing and Environmental Optics and plans to utilize laboratory facilities of the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Laboratory, operated by the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research also involves collaboration with the U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, New Hampshire. Results of the modeling, bench-scale and field studies are expected to improve our understanding of physical processes that control the movement of chemical solutes by water from melting snow. The model expected to result from this research is expected to be utilized in developing strategies for predicting and managing the flush of acidic substances from accumulated deposits of snow.
