New technologies applied for measuring forest shading and heating of the snowpack in Northern Boreal Forests

Seven researchers from Edinburgh University, Northumbria University Newcastle and the WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research (SLF) Switzerland recently visited FMI-ARC as a part of the INTERACT Transnational Access initiative. The main objective of the visit was to collect extensive measurements of solar and thermal radiation patterns and associated forest structure affecting snowmelt in forests.

The INTERACT proposal funded the work of three young female scientists, Clare Webster (Edinburgh University; UAV operation and SfM analysis), Giulia Mazzotti (SLF Switzerland; Gimbal operation), and Johanna Malle (Northumbria University, UAV and cable car operation). Their specific expertise added up to assess a complete picture of canopy radiation processes involved in snowmelt process modelling. Their work was assisted by Steven Hancock (Edinburgh University; TLS), Richard Essery (Edinburgh University), Nick Rutter (Northumbria University) and Tobias Jonas (SLF Switzerland), who have been involved in developing the research program. Read more.