Quantifying bioalbedo: a new physically based model and discussion of empirical methods for characterising biological influence on ice and snow albedo

• DOI: 10.5194/tc-11-2611-2017
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17T07:28:22Z
• Authors: Joseph M. Cook; Andrew J. Hodson; Alex S. Gardner; Mark Flanner; Andrew J. Tedstone; Christopher Willi...; Tristram D. L. Ir...; Johan Nilsson; Robert Bryant; Martyn Tranter
• Keywords: Albedo (alchemy)

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> The darkening effects of biological impurities on ice and snow have been recognised as a control the surface energy balance terrestrial snow, sea ice, glaciers sheets. With heightened interest in understanding impacts changing climate processes, quantifying impact albedo (<q>bioalbedo</q>) its evolution through time is rapidly growing field research. However, rigorous quantification bioalbedo has remained elusive because difficulties isolating contribution to from that inorganic variable optical properties itself. For this reason, isolation signature reflectance data obtained aerial/orbital platforms not achieved, even when ground-based measurements available. This paper provides cell-specific are required model spectral signatures broadband ice. Applying radiative transfer theory, these provide physical basis needed link glaciological ground with remotely sensed data. Using new capabilities we confirm can influence albedo, then identify 10 challenges measurement aim improving future experimental designs better quantify feedbacks. These (1)Â ambiguity terminology, (2)Â characterising or properties, (3)Â solar irradiance, (4)Â determining cells, (5)Â measuring biomass, (6)Â vertical distribution (7)Â abiotic impurities, (8)Â anisotropy, (9)Â indirect feedbacks, (10)Â instrument configurations. aims broad audience glaciologists biologists an overview could support design.