The total deposition of precipitation in Antarctica is currently poorly understood. Model predictions cannot be confirmed by local measurements, which are sparse and difficult due to high winds. It is generally believed that drifting and blowing snow heavily influences the local mass balance in Antarctica. CRYOS investigates all aspects of drifting and blowing snow and a new process by which moisture from the relatively warm sea is recycled through riming of (snow) precipitation particles. This could enhance local mass deposition well above current estimates.
