Snowfall events as a factor of snow cover's stratigraphy formation

Previous work has demonstrated interannual variability in the intensity and occurrence of snowfalls in different regions of the USA, although some long-term trends in these characteristics were revealed as well.

In our previous work we considered snowfall-events it as a factor of formation of snow-cover distribution (inhomogeneity of snow cover thickness) on the territory of Russia and also its stratigraphy.

Under the term of snowfall we understand an event of solid atmospheric precipitation (snow) with duration of certain period of time (up to one or several days) with intensity of not less than 0.1 mm per day and negative ambient temperature, i.e. under condition of presence of snow cover. Snowfalls’ intensity is characterized as a sum of precipitation (its snow water equivalent) during this snowfall.

For the time period of 1961-2016 on the basis of meteorological data for 45 stations situated on the territory of Russia (not less than two in each of 19 climatic regions) the events of snowfalls are determined, as well as theirs frequency and averaged intensity for each winter season.

Snowfalls’ spatial and temporal distribution is analyzed on the basis of the compiled maps of averaged values of snowfall’s frequency and intensity and the graphs of relation of snowfall’s frequency and intensity.

The materials of obtained distribution allow revealing of peculiarities in distribution of snowfalls on intensity for different regions and their possible impact on stratigraphy of snow thickness.

The materials of obtained distribution allow revealing of peculiarities in distribution of snowfalls on intensity for different regions and their possible impact on stratigraphy of snow thickness.