On the Use of Bulk Aerodynamic Formulae Over Melting Snow

Bulk aerodynamic formulae which relate the turbulent exchanges of sensible and latent heat over melting snow to measurements of windspeed, temperature and humidity at one level can be derived from flux-gradient relationships and assumed log-linear profiles. Recent analyses of local advection over snow and wind flow over complex terrain suggest that the bulk aerodynamic formulae should apply in non-ideal field situations. The assumption that the scaling lengths for temperature and humidity equal the roughness length is problematic, since theoretical analyses indicate they should be much less than the roughness length. However, the effect of scale length inequality on the stability correction tends to compensate for the effect on the neutral-case transfer coefficient. Field experience indicates that the bulk aerodynamic formulae are adequate for use in energy balance estimates of daily or shorter term snowmelt.