QUASI-STEADY TEMPERATURE-GRADIENT METAMORPHISM IN IDEALIZED, DRY SNOW

A three-dimensional model for heat and mass transport in microscale ic e lattices of dry snow is formulated consistent with conservation laws and solid-vapor interface constraints. A finite element model that em ploys continuous mesh deformation is developed, and calculation of the effective diffusion rates in snow, metamorphosing under a temperature gradient, is performed. Results of the research provide basic insight into the movement of heat and water vapor in seasonal snowcovers. Agr eement between the numerical results and measured data of effective th ermal conductivity is excellent. The enhancement to the water vapor di ffusion rate in snow is bracketed in the range of 1.05-2.0 times that of water vapor in dry air.