On the performance of the snow model Crocus driven by in situ and reanalysis data at Villum Research Station in northeast Greenland

• DOI: 10.5194/tc-2021-100
• Publication Date: 2021-04-07T11:47:15Z
• Authors: Daniela Krampe; Frank Kauker; Marie Dumont; Andreas Herber
• Keywords: Elevation (ballistics)

Abstract. Reliable and detailed snow data are limited in the Arctic. We aim at overcoming this issue by addressing two questions: (1) Can reanalysis ERA5 replace situ measurements high latitudes to drive models? (2) Alpine model Crocus simulate reliably Arctic depth stratigraphy? compare atmospheric evaluate simulated measured depth, density specific surface area (SSA) northeast Greenland (October 2014–October 2018). To account for differences between region, we introduce a new parametrisation of snow.Our results show good agreement variables except precipitation, wind speed direction. ERA5’s resolution is too coarse resolve topography study adequately, leading presumably detected biases. Nevertheless, agrees better with forced simulations than measurements.Crocus can satisfactory evolution but SSA profiles both forcings biased compared field measurements. Adjusting leads improvements stratigraphy. In conclusion, be used instead force models use affected limitations likely due missing vertical water vapour transport redistribution during strong winds. These strongly affect accuracy physical properties.