The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) is an effective index for snow-cover mapping at large scales, but in forested regions the identification accuracy for snow using the NDSI is low because of forest cover effects. In this study, typical evergreen coniferous forest zones on Qilian Mountain in the Upper Heihe River Basin (UHRB) were chosen as example regions. By analyzing the spectral sig...

We present the first analysis of snow depths on Arctic sea ice in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 (CMIP5) because of its importance for sea ice thermodynamics and ringed seal (Phoca hispida) habitat. Snow depths in April on Arctic sea ice decrease over the 21st century in RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 scenarios. The chief cause is loss of sea ice area in autumn and, to a lesser extent,...

L-band and C-band microwave radar observations can help to measure the properties of snow cover on land by providing information about he soil-snow boundary condition. In this theoretical study, we xamine the sensitivities of microwave radar measurements to soil and snow characteristics, and we compare a simple model with previously published data. These data show that the thermal insulation pr...

Here we provide an overview of current research activities on nitrogen (N) cycling in high-elevation catchments of the Colorado Front Range. We then use this information to develop a conceptual model of how snow cover controls subnivial (below snowpack) microbial processes and N leachate from the snow-soil interface to surface waters. This model is based on research that identi®es subnivial pro...

[1] This paper addresses the effects of canopy physical processes on snow mass and energy balances in boreal ecosystems. We incorporate new parameterizations of radiation transfer through the vegetation canopy, interception of snow by the vegetation canopy, and under-canopy sensible heat transfer processes into the Versatile Integrator of Surface and Atmosphere (VISA) and test the model results...

Climate change is causing rapid changes to forest disturbance regimes worldwide. While the consequences of climate change for existing disturbance processes, like fires, are relatively well studied, emerging drivers of disturbance such as snow loss and subsequent mortality are much less documented. As the climate warms, a transition from winter snow to rain in high latitudes will cause signific...

VAN VUREN, D., and ARMITAGE, K. B. 1991. Duration of snow cover and its influence on life-history variation in yellow-bellied marmots. Can. J. Zool. 69: 1755-1758. We evaluated the relationship between growing-season phenology, as indicated by time of snow melt, and intrapopulation variation in reproduction and growth of yellow-bellied marmots. The time of snow melt explained significant propor...

Due to geographic and climatic conditions in mountainous northwest area, Roads in these areas are often covered with snow, ice and mud. Hence Transportation of equipment and soldiers encounter hardship and difficulties in rural area and specially outposts. To solve these problems, it is needed to fabricate portable roadway or traction mats. These high strength mats cover surface of roads and ar...

Characterization of snow is critical for understanding Earth’s water and energy cycles. Maps of snow from MODIS have seen growing use in investigations of climate, hydrology, and glaciology, but the lack of rigorous validation of different snow mapping methods compromises these studies. We examine three widely used MODIS snow products: the ‘‘binary’’ (i.e., snow yes/no) global snow maps that we...