Increased Snow Events Do Not Cancel Climate Change
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Increased Snow Events Do Not Cancel Climate Change

What increased storm intensity actually means.

25
Increased Snow Events Do Not Cancel Climate Change
cbc.ca

We just had a huge snowstorm last week. Climate Change; am I right?

Yes, Climate Change is exactly right.

Just because it snows, that does not deny the existence of climate change. Actually, the increased heat will cause more intense storms due to the ability to evaporate more. So when the snow does fall, it will be more intense. This graphs displays how Winter precipitation in the Northeast USA has changed from 1930- a little past 2010. Within the last decade, there was a 50% increase in precipitation compared to normal.

In fact, those above the 45 degree latitude line are expected to see a massive increase in precipitation and therefore a massive increase  in plant life. Even though studies predict that plants will migrate (over several population events) with their optimal temperature, most are actually migrating with precipitation. While on the other hand, animals are moving with optimal temperature. (http://science.sciencemag.org/content/322/5899/261)

As the snow melts, plants are following it downhill where as mammals cannot stand the heat. Ecosystems cannot survive with all of these organisms living in isolation from each other. They need to live together in order to fulfill ecosystem services.

Climate Change is not the eradication of winter, it is the lengthening of the warmer seasons. "Climate warming can reduce snowfall, and cause earlier spring melts and shorter snow cover seasons. For instance, warmer air in Alaska has caused the snow to melt earlier each spring, lengthening the snow-free summer season." If there is less snow fall overall, and longer snowmelt periods the amount of snow cover will decrease overtime. It is predicted to have drastic declines over Europe and Asia.

Now why is snow such a big deal? Well from an anthropocentric standpoint, a lack of snow pick is related to a decrease in water supplies in the spring. Snow melts in one area, makes it way to lower elevations to fill brooks, creeks, streams, etc. It essentially helps fuel water supply for entire ecosystems and helps us sustain our water tables/sources.(http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/n...)So there is heavy precipitation in shorter cold periods with longer warming periods. When these seasons are out of whack, there is an uneven flow of water through out the year. Inevitably there will be less water later on in the warmer seasons and even the next spring depending on how winter is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71161
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133078
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments