Measurements of the transmission of UV light to infrared light through different samples of snow around Scott Base

The transmission of light through snow depends not only on the cleanliness but also on the size of the snow particles. The transmission properties are directly related to the reflection properties and the reflection of snow plays a major role in the radiation balance which determines the earth's equilibrium temperature. The transmission of UV to infrared light through snow in the vicinity of Scott Base was measured to determine the effect of different types of snow. Previous measurements found that the transmission of light through snow depended very much upon the location of the snow used in the experiment. Snow near Scott Base was dirty (from blown scoria dust) and this absorbed the UVB in particular, while snow out on the sea ice was much cleaner and less absorbing. The second season of measurements were made away from Scott Base, about 10km SE of the Base. Fresh snow showed transmission which was very similar to that of the cleanest snow the previous year.