Student Research Reports
Open social media sharing options menu
Snow Drifts
Organization(s):Delta Junction Area FFA Chapter
Country:United States of America
Student(s):Fianna Rooney
Grade Level:Secondary School (grades 9-12, ages 14-18)
GLOBE Educator(s):Tammie Kovalenko
Contributors:Christina Buffington, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Julia White, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Report Type(s):International Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Wind
Presentation Poster:
View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:03/05/2025
In conjunction with the Alaska Future Farmers of America (FFA)Delta Junction Chapter and the NASA remote sensing technology program, we were tasked with documenting changes to a snow drift co-located at Delta Junction High School. Our research focused on one location site for snow depth and snow melt liquid equivalent, and the effects of wind on snow compaction on a windward snow drift at the southern end of the Delta Junction FFA/High School Complex, Delta Junction, Alaska. Utilizing different measurement techniques we took systematic measurements from November 2024 to February 2025. All data collected followed the GLOBE land cover and snow protocols. Unanticipated chinook winds occurred late January to early February with significant snow pack loss forcing greater focus on internal physics of the snow drift. After the identification of the ice bubble lens, we wondered, what wind speeds are required to create snow compaction in a windward snow drift? Student researchers concluded that wind does have an effect on snow compaction around the 6-8 mph range, assisting with factors such as temperature control which further leads to future compaction.