Third Pole Environment's Radar Innovations Reveal Depth of Mount Qomolangma's Snow
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Friday, July 14, 2023
BEIJING, July 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The researchers applied a novel approach to using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, by starting measurements from exposed limestone at a lower elevation point, thus resulting in more accurate readings. Based on this new method, the scientists calculated a snow depth of 9.5 ± 1.2 meters at the summit, considerably different from previous estimates of 0.9 to 3.5 meters.
Key Points:
- Based on this new method, the scientists calculated a snow depth of 9.5 ± 1.2 meters at the summit, considerably different from previous estimates of 0.9 to 3.5 meters.
- Changes in snow accumulation and drift, driven by weather variations, significantly influence total snow depth.
- Prof. YANG Wei noted that the STEP team plans to continue leveraging this innovative radar method to study snow stratigraphy and snowpack properties on Mount Qomolangma's summit.
- Title of original paper: Brief communication: How deep is the snow on Mount Everest?