Application of a Comprehensive Bias-Correction Model to Precipitation Measured at Russian North Pole Drifting Stations

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Abstract
An improved bias correction is applied to daily precipitation measured at Russian North Pole drifting stations during the period from the early 1950s through 1990. The bias-correction method is based on a model accounting for all main systematic errors of precipitation measurement by means of the standard Tretyakov gauge, namely: aerodynamic error; joint effect of wetting, evaporation, and condensation at the gauge collector interior; trace precipitation; and the effect of “false” precipitation due to blowing snow flux into the gauge. The bias-corrected annual precipitation averaged over the entire period and all drifting stations amounts to 165 mm, which is 28% higher than the measured value. Large errors induced by strong winds are to a certain extent compensated by the false precipitation, the amount of which increases with the wind speed and blizzard duration. Annual mean false precipitation comprises 30% of the total measured precipitation. The validity of the obtained bias-corrected estimat... Abstract An improved bias correction is applied to daily precipitation measured at Russian North Pole drifting stations during the period from the early 1950s through 1990. The bias-correction method is based on a model accounting for all main systematic errors of precipitation measurement by means of the standard Tretyakov gauge, namely: aerodynamic error; joint effect of wetting, evaporation, and condensation at the gauge collector interior; trace precipitation; and the effect of “false” precipitation due to blowing snow flux into the gauge. The bias-corrected annual precipitation averaged over the entire period and all drifting stations amounts to 165 mm, which is 28% higher than the measured value. Large errors induced by strong winds are to a certain extent compensated by the false precipitation, the amount of which increases with the wind speed and blizzard duration. Annual mean false precipitation comprises 30% of the total measured precipitation. The validity of the obtained bias-corrected estimat...