A mathematical model is presented which is used to calculate the flux of solar radiation to a melting snowpack in sub-arctic woodlands. Using tree height, branch radius, and distance between trees as input data, the model calculates both hemispherical and angular view factors. The latter are checked by a special photographic technique and good agreement is obtained. The view factors are used in conjunction with measurements of global and diffuse solar radiation at a base station to calculate the corresponding fluxes in nearby woodland. A test of the model at Schefferville, Quebec, showed that calculated and observed values were highly correlated, although the model consistently produced slight underestimates.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wilson et al. (1973) studied this question.