We would like to announce a short course "Modern snow measurement methods – theory and practice" in Sodankylä, Finland in 10 – 11 February 2017.
The course is aimed to academics who teach methods in snow science.

Application by email to leena.leppanen at fmi.fi  and schneebeli at slf.ch
Deadline for application: 11 January 2017.

More information of the course below.

Instructors

Dr. Martin Schneebeli, WSL Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research SLF, schneebeli at slf.ch  MSc. Leena Leppänen, FMI, leena.leppanen at fmi.fi  

Costs: 250 € (includes accommodation for 3 nights, meals and course material)

Target group
Academics teaching methods in snow science

Goals
- Understanding the transformations of snow from atmospheric precipitation towards a metamorphic rock

- Shape, size and microstructure of snow: beyond traditional snow classification and why this is necessary to capture the essential snow physical properties

- Measuring snow: a systematic approach from the large to the small scale. Properties and methods discussed: water equivalent, density, specific surface area, correlation length, hardness and mechanical properties, shape, grain size, thermal conductivity, metamorphism.

- Physical principles behind techniques: direct and indirect measurement principles, assumptions and their influence on measurements (critical discussion)

Schedule
Friday, 10. Feb. 2017
Morning: Background theory for snow physics and metamorphism, basic concepts of measuring methods
Afternoon: first field block (density, SSA, snow water equivalent, traditional grain shape and size, casting of snow)
Evening: discussion of background material and field measurements

Saturday, 11. Feb. 2017
Morning: Theory (Physical principles behind measurement techniques

Afternoon: second field block (SnowMicroPen, Near-infrared photography, thermal conductivity), Snow measurement program at FMI (Anna Kontu, Leena Leppänen)

Evening: discussion of results second field block, course evaluation

Dinner and sauna

Materials
- Paper recommendations and presentations will be sent to participants before short course

- Instruments will be available on site

- Please bring your own laptop. Programs for data evaluation will be distributed before the course

Venue
Arctic Research Centre of Finnish Meteorological Institute
http://fmiarc.fmi.fi 

Travel
Participants organize travels to Sodankylä. Route: from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by plane or train, and from Rovaniemi to Sodankylä by bus.

Rovaniemi airport is the closest, but Ivalo and Kittilä airports are also available. Last two has less bus connections to Sodankylä, and therefore rental car from airport is recommended. Finnair and Norwegian are flying to Rovaniemi.

The train station is in Rovaniemi. Train schedule and tickets https://www.vr.fi/cs/vr/en/frontpage 

There are direct bus connections from Rovaniemi train station and Rovaniemi airport to Sodankylä. Bus schedule between Rovaniemi and Sodankylä https://matkahuolto.fi/en/ 

Pick-up from Sodankylä bus station will be organized.

Clothing
As the course is to a great extent based on fieldwork, proper clothing is essential. Packing list will be provided later.

Housing
The housing will be in Sodankylä at the Arctic Research Centre of Finnish Meteorological Institute with direct access to the field sites. The guest houses have own bedrooms, common bathroom, living room, WiFi, and kitchen.

Meals
Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are in cafeteria Niesta at the Arctic Research. In addition, guest houses have full kitchen facilities.

Application deadline 11 January 2017