Agenda

24 Sep 2025 11:30

Challenges in Surface Mass Balance Estimation at Dome C

Aula B, edificio ZETA - Campus Scientifico via Torino

SpeakerClaudio Stefanini, Dept. Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia

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Abstract:
The surface mass balance at Dome C, Antarctica, has been investigated using long-term snow accumulation measurements collected near Concordia Station. Observations from Italian and French stake farms are available, which differ in size, sampling frequency, and period of activity. The comparison highlights a strong variability in snow buildup, largely controlled by wind redistribution and surface micro-relief. Differences between the two datasets are linked not only to the number of stakes and their location, but also to the influence of the station infrastructure, which alters local wind patterns and snow deposition. To better frame these results, observations have been compared with reanalysis products and regional climate models, identifying which datasets are more consistent with field evidence. Additional stake farms located north and south of the station provide insight into the spatial gradient of surface mass balance across Dome C. Overall, this analysis offers the opportunity to improve our understanding of the processes shaping snow accumulation in one of the driest regions on Earth, offering valuable benchmarks for climate models and remote-sensing products.

Bio Sketch:
Dr. Claudio Stefanini holds a Ph.D. in Polar Sciences from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. His doctoral research focused on snow surface properties and their interaction with the atmosphere on the Antarctic Plateau, combining satellite data, reanalysis, in situ observations, and model simulations. It focuses on snow grain size and density variations, their atmospheric drivers, and implications for albedo, energy balance, and ice sheet stability.
As a research fellow at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, within the Ice Cores, Isotopic and Environmental Geochemistry Lab, Dr. Stefanini contributed to the AIR-FLOC project, focusing on processing and analysing glaciological and isotopic data from Concordia Station, including snow and precipitation measurements, isotopic analyses, and stake farm studies.

Language

The event will be held in English

Organized by

Ice cores, Isotopic and Environmental Geochemistry Lab (Masiol, Stenni)

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