SNOW HYDROLOGY (GEOG 4321): HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT 9

Instuctor: Mark Williams
Telephone: 492-8830

Homework 9

• Assigned 11 April
• Due 15 April, 4 pm.
• There are 40 possible points.

1. The primary factors that determine the spatial distribution of snow are: (a) snowfall amount and intensity; (b) redistribution; and (c) ablation. Explain the interactions between these factors and topographic parameters such as elevation, slope, aspect, lee- and windward-locations, radiation, landscape type and position, etc. Maximum 2 pages. (10 points). Use illustrations as needed.
2. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of calculating the spatial distribution of snow depth in a basin using parametric statistics and geostatistics. 2 pages maximum (10 points).
3. Write the equation for calculating the semi-variance. Define each of the parameters in the equation. (10 points).
4. Draw a variogram. Label the following components on the variogram. Also write a defintion that is 2-3 sentences long for each of these components. (10 points).
   • lag distance
   • semivariance
   • range
   • sill