Effects of meteorology and soil moisture on the spatio-temporal evolution of the depth hoar layer in the polar desert snowpack

Abstract In polar deserts, depth hoar (hereinafter: DH) growth is not systematic unlike on tundra and this critical for snowpack properties. Here, we address the spatio-temporal variability of DH layer in desert at two sites Canadian High Arctic: Ward Hunt Island (83° N) Resolute Bay (75° N). Our data show that, over humid areas, represented a larger fraction was characterized by lower density coarser crystals than dry gravelly areas. Increased soil moisture extends zero-curtain period during freeze-up, leading to stronger temperature gradients greater kinetic metamorphism. results also demonstrate that large inter-annual primarily driven wind conditions fall since key variable controls initial snow onset date. These strong exerted meteorological deserts highlight possibility major changes snowpacks physical properties response rapid climate environmental currently affecting these regions.