Snøfangere

Snøfangere, also known as snow catchers, are devices used to collect and measure snowfall. They are essential tools in meteorology and climatology for understanding snowfall patterns and their impact on the environment. These devices typically consist of a cylindrical container with a funnel-shaped opening at the top. The container is usually made of metal or plastic and is designed to be placed in an open area away from trees and buildings to avoid interference from wind and other obstacles.

Snow catchers work by collecting snow as it falls, allowing for accurate measurement of the snowfall amount. The collected snow is then melted and measured in millimeters or inches to determine the liquid equivalent of the snowfall. This measurement is crucial for understanding the water content of snow, which is important for water resource management and flood forecasting.

There are different types of snow catchers, including the standard snow gauge, which is a simple cylindrical container, and the more advanced Geonor snow gauge, which uses a heated funnel to prevent snow from sticking to the sides. These devices are typically placed in networks of weather stations to provide comprehensive data on snowfall across different regions.

Snow catchers are also used in research to study the properties of snow, such as its density and water content, which can vary depending on factors like temperature and wind. This information is valuable for understanding the role of snow in the water cycle and its impact on ecosystems and human activities.