SnowMicroPen (SMP) force profiles collected during RV POLARSTERN cruise PS111@en

The SnowMicroPen (SMP) is a portable device for high-resolution in-situ measurements of penetration resistance in snow and can be correlated to snow microstructure (density, specific surface area, snow type). The penetration force is measured using a piezo-electric sensor and is digitally recorded every 4 micrometers. The SMP signal can infer stratigraphy, snow type, and snow microstructure at a vertical resolution of 1-4 mm. Based on the force signal, density and specific surface area parameterizations are calculated. Through horizontally repeated measurements, the SMP can help relate detailed point-scale snow profiles to a larger sampling area and provide information about the spatial variability of snow stratigraphy and physical snow properties. The SMP was used on transect lines with spacings from 0.5 to 2 m between the measurements.