Just how much snow has fallen in Colorado?
Ever wonder why, in this age of digital and nano everything, we're still measuring snowfall with a ruler (or, a yardstick if we're lucky!)?
Some crackerjack scientists are on top of it!
Equipped with specialized lasers and GPS technology, scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder and other institutions are testing prototype devices that use light pulses, satellite signals and other technologies that might almost instantly measure large areas of snow.
In time, such devices might provide a global picture of snow depth, according to an article at Scientific Computing's website.
"We've been measuring rain accurately for centuries, but snow is much harder because of the way it's affected by wind and sun and other factors," says NCAR researcher Ethan Gutmann.
"It looks like new technology, however, will finally give us the ability to say exactly how much snow is on the ground."
Check out the article. Or, just head out and enjoy the snow!
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