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Snow-water equivalent measurement using natural gamma emission

Journal Article · · Nord. Hydrol., v. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-16
OSTI ID:4367933
The natural gamma radiation emitted by potassium, uranium, and thorium is attenuated by snow. This attenuation depends on the water-equivalent of the snow layer. Air absorption coefficients were determined by flying at different altitudes over a uniform test strip and used to calculate the absorption coefficients for water. Results using the Geological Survey of Canada high sensitivity airborne gamma spectrometer showed that snow water-equivalents up to 18 cm could be measured to an accuracy of 2 cm over suitable terrain. The importance of temperature and soil moisture corrections are discussed, together with statistical, instrumental and navigational errors. (CA)
Research Organization:
Geological Survey of Canada, Ottawa
NSA Number:
NSA-29-007725
OSTI ID:
4367933
Journal Information:
Nord. Hydrol., v. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-16, Journal Name: Nord. Hydrol., v. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-16; ISSN NOHYB
Country of Publication:
Denmark
Language:
English