Spatial Variability of the Snowmelt?Albedo Feedback in Antarctica

Surface melt is an important process for the stability of ice shelves, and therewith Antarctic sheet. In Antarctica, absorption solar radiation mostly largest energy source surface melt, which further enhanced by snowmelt-albedo feedback (SMAF): Refrozen snow has a lower albedo than new snow, causes it to absorb more radiation, increasing available melt. This previously been shown increase approximately factor 2.5 at Neumayer Station in East Antarctica. this study, we use regional climate model quantify SMAF entire We find that most effective on shelves less Peninsula Ross Filchner-Ronne shelves. identify relationship between average summer 2 m air temperatures, around 265 ± K. On subseasonal scale, several parameters contribute SMAF: length dry periods, time significant snowfall events snowmelt events, prevailing temperatures. then apply same temperature dependency Greenland sheet potentially active narrow band sheet, finally discuss how importance could change warming climate.