Spring IR Melting: The Raspberry Cane Effect

[turbo]

Here is something that I see every spring, when the sun gets higher in the sky and the temps moderate. Notice the depressions under the raspberry canes... The sun heats up the canes, both above and below (reflection from the snow) and the canes re-radiate IR, melting the snow below them, even if the canes are quite distant from the surface of the snow. This is similar in some ways to the pits that form around tree-trunks and fence-posts in the snow, but a little more interesting, IMO. BTW, those are 4' stakes in the center, just for scale.

 

[Danger]

Neat, Turbo. It's odd that after having been up to my *** in snow for most of my life, I've never paid any attention to that. I've certainly observed it, but never given it any thought.

 

[charng]

Thank you for sharing your observation of the "Raspberry Cane Effect" during spring. It is fascinating to see how the sun's radiation can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment, even in seemingly small ways.

I would like to offer some additional insights into this phenomenon. The melting of snow beneath the raspberry canes is a result of the absorption and re-radiation of infrared (IR) radiation. The canes act as efficient absorbers of solar radiation, and as they heat up, they emit IR radiation in the form of heat. This heat is then transferred to the surrounding snow, causing it to melt.

This process is similar to what happens with tree trunks and fence posts in the snow. The dark color of the canes, along with the reflection of IR radiation from the snow, enhances their ability to absorb and re-radiate heat.

In addition, the depressions under the canes may also be due to the weight of the canes pressing down on the snow, causing it to compact and melt more quickly. This creates a feedback loop, where the more the snow melts, the more heat is absorbed by the canes, leading to further melting.

Overall, the Raspberry Cane Effect is a great example of how even small changes in the environment can have a significant impact. Thank you for sharing your observation, and I hope this explanation adds to your understanding of this interesting phenomenon.