In physical geography, a snow cover or simply snow refers to the layer of white ice that covers the ground during winter in cold climates. It is very important for the study of climate change because it reflects sunlight back into space and helps to regulate Earth’s temperature. The average global snow cover has been declining since 1967, largely due to global warming.
The main types of snow are:
-Fresh Snow: This is newly fallen, soft, and powdery snow. It is easy to compress and can be easily shovelled.
-Old Hard Snow: This is older snow that has been packed down by wind and/or vehicles. It is harder to shovel and more difficult to make snowball out of it.
-Slush: This forms when fresh snow melts slightly and then refreezes. It tends to be wet, heavy, and difficult to shovel.
-Ice: Ice can form on top of old hard snow or directly on the ground. It is very slippery and dangerous to walk on.
Snow cover plays an important role in regulating Earth’s temperature by reflecting sunlight back into space (albedo). A lower albedo means that more solar radiation is absorbed by Earth’s surface, resulting in higher temperatures. The loss of Arctic sea ice (which has a very high albedo) due to global warming is one factor contributing to the overall decline in global snow cover.
Accordingly, understanding how changes in land use affect local albedo becomes increasingly important for predicting future climate change at regional scales