Swiss scientists are probing centuries-old glaciers in the hope of discovering new environmental and climatic data. A measurement site was selected and equipped at the 4300 m high Seserjoch in the heart of the Monte Rosa massif. A complete energy balance station with a 6 m high mast measures air temperature, humidity, and wind speed at three levels. Short wave radiation, net radiation, surface temperature, and snow depth are also measured. Two thermistor chains were lowered into the glacier to measure the firn and ice temperatures. A 4 m chain with 15 sensors at 0.25 m intervals measures the near-surface short-term temperature variation, while a 30 m chain with 30 sensors at 1 m intervals records the deep long-term temperature variation. A 50 W solar panel supplies the energy for all the instruments and recharges the two batteries with a total capacity of 76 Ahr. Data retrieval occurs via an RF network.
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Case Study Summary

Application

Monitoring energy balance, meteorological conditions, and glacial conditions atop Seserjoch

Location

Swiss Alps - Switzerland

Measured Parameters

Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, wind direction, short-wave radiation, net radiation, surface temperature, snow depth, firn and ice temperature (30 and 4 m thermistor chains suspended in glacier)