US-Switzerland Dissertation Enhancement: The Effects of a Buried Ice Lens on Snow Microstructure

[406468]这个美国-瑞士的论文强化项目研究了埋藏冰层对雪的微观结构和变形的影响。调查将在瑞士联邦雪与雪崩研究所进行，由科罗拉多州立大学的弗里曼·m·史密斯和瑞士的马丁·施尼贝利教授共同指导。研究生Ethan M. Greene将开发雪微观结构的数字模型，并进行热导率分析以及机械性能测量。该项目利用了瑞士的专门设备，可以对雪进行三维图像重建。该研究本身涉及与雪崩发生有关的研究。当雪变质作用产生弱雪层时，雪崩就会发生。关于环境因素、导致雪崩的物理条件以及冰雪形成的现场数据有限。通过实验室模拟，格林先生和他的导师建议模拟导致雪结构薄弱的条件，并隔离热变化对冰层和雪微观结构的影响。这项研究将促进对雪崩原因的理解，并改进雪崩预测。研究生将受益于其职业生涯早期的国际经验以及与该领域领先的国际机构的联系。

0406468SmithThis U.S.-Switzerland dissertation enhancement project addresses the effects of buried ice layers on snow microstructure and metamorphosis. The investigations will be performed at the Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research under joint mentorship of Freeman M. Smith of Colorado State University and Professor Martin Schneebeli of Switzerland. The graduate student, Ethan M. Greene, will develop a digital model of snow microstructure and perform analysis of thermal conductivity as well as mechanical property measurements. The project takes advantage of specialized equipment in Switzerland that allows 3-D image reconstruction of snow. The study itself addresses research related to the occurrence of avalanches. Avalanches result when snow metamorphism produces weak snow layers. Field data on environmental factors, physical conditions that cause avalanches as well as snow and ice formation are limited. Through the proposed laboratory simulations, Mr. Greene and his mentors propose to simulate the conditions leading to weaknesses in the snow structure and to isolate the impact of thermal changes on the ice layer and snow microstructure. The research will advance understanding of causes of avalanches and in improved avalanche forecasting. The graduate student will benefit from an international experience early in his career and connections with a leading international institute in his field.