Field Notes: NASA SnowEx on Grand Mesa Colorado

Overview

In this Field Notes episode, Jessica Mersdorf documents NASA SnowEx researchers on Grand Mesa Colorado as they study snow properties, depth, density, and water content using airborne and ground measurements. Her daily audio diaries capture both the scientific process and the challenges of fieldwork at altitude.

• SWISAR radar maps snow water equivalent from the air and in the snow pits
• Snow pits reveal layered structure from newly fallen snow to compacted layers near the ground
• The audio diaries illuminate the human aspects of field campaigns, nerves, and resilience
• Grand Mesa context highlights snow as a regulator of climate, ecosystem health, and drinking water

Introduction to the Field Campaign

The podcast follows Jessica Mersdorf, an Earth science writer, as she joins the SnowEx 2020 team on Grand Mesa in Colorado. The SnowEx project investigates snow properties to improve understanding of how snow acts as a climate regulator and water resource. The campaign combines airborne measurements with on the ground work, illustrating how scientists measure snow depth, density, particle size, and other properties using a diverse set of instruments. The narrator emphasizes that field campaigns are not just about data collection but about the living process of science, human collaboration, and the emotional experience of working in extreme environments.

Context and Environment

Grand Mesa provides a vast white expanse described as a flat tabletop, with scattered trees and an atmosphere that requires careful acclimatization. The episode underscores the importance of snow for climate regulation, reflecting sunlight and moderating the Earth’s temperature, in addition to supporting winter water resources for communities downstream. The campaign operates in a world where the sky, weather, and terrain are as critical as the instruments themselves. Altitude presents a real challenge, and the writer candidly shares the physical and psychological effects of high elevation, cold, and isolation.

Two Components of SnowEx: Air and Ground

The SnowEx initiative comprises airborne and ground components. In the air, SWISAR stands for Snow Water Equivalent Synthetic Aperture Radar and Radiometer. On the ground, researchers collect measurements directly from snow pits and record them in situ. The field team uses snowmobiles to access field sites, navigating steep hills, sharp curves, and rough terrain to cover as much ground as possible. The writer documents the practical realities of field mobility and safety, including altitude sickness and the nervousness that accompanies a first snowmobile ride.

Snow Measurement Techniques

Ground measurements focus on snow pits where scientists dig into the snowpack to study layering, density, and water content. The narration describes the vertical sequence from light, fluffy surface snow to wind-packed layers, and further down to dense, moisture-rich layers near the ground. The pits provide a controlled environment where certain measurements are more accurate than those possible in the field. The SWISAR instrument and ground measurements complement each other, enabling cross-validation of snow properties and aiding in understanding the snow's contribution to water resources and climate feedbacks.

Personal Experience and Reflections

The audio diaries reveal a range of emotions, from nervous anticipation to awe and pride. Altitude, cold, and isolation create intense psychological and physical experiences, while the people around the writer become a lifeline. The narrative captures the beauty of the landscape and the sense of being part of a larger scientific community dedicated to observing and understanding Earth from the field. The episode closes with a recognition that there is something magical about the field environment and a sense of sadness to leave Grand Mesa behind for warmer temperatures and sea level, alongside a renewed sense of accomplishment and curiosity that will carry into future campaigns.