Module 1   Case Study
NASA Snow Pit Site Preparation
1. Dig a pit approximately 3 feet deep by 5 feet wide (1 by 1.5 meters) out to ground level, being sure that one wall faces south.
2. Cut the south wall of the pit trench carefully. Try to keep it vertical. This will be the observation site. Sketch a snow pit profile:
Student Page 1-7.2a
Snow Depth 1. Measure the depth of your snow pit from the ground level to the top using your yardstick.
2. Measure and record the depth in three different places along the wall of your trench (spaced out about evenly)
3. Determine and record the average depth on your data sheet.
Snow Temperature General directions: Insert the thermometer horizontally into the snowpack, at the heights listed below, and let the thermometer equilibrate for three minutes at each location. Quickly read and record temperature readings on the data sheet each time you remove a thermometer.
1. Ground level: Gently place thermometer into the snow bank, as close to the ground as possible. Try to keep thermometer as close to horizontal as possible.
2. Snowpack: Take snow temperatures every 8 inches (20 centimeters) upward from ground level, completely inserting the thermometer into the wall of the trench each time.
3. Surface: Slide thermometer beneath the surface of the snow, so it is just covered. Shade it with your shovel.
4. Air: Let the thermometer dangle in the air of the trench shaded from the sun. PolarHusky.com © NOMADS Online Classroom Expeditions GoNorth! Beringia 2011 Curriculum 127