Earth’s Cryosphere, 2023, Vol. XXVII, No. 2, p. 39-46.
SNOW COVER AND GLACIERS
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DIFFERENTIATION OF SNOW COVER PARAMETERS IN THE TAIGA ZONE OF THE NORTHEAST OF EUROPEAN RUSSIA
Vasilevich M.I.*, Shchanov V.M.
Institute of Biology, FRC Komi Science Center, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kommunisticheskaya St. 28, Syktyvkar, 167982 Russia
*Corresponding author; e-mail: mvasilevich@ib.komisc.ru
Data on the snow cover in the middle and southern taiga subzones of the northeast of European Russia (Komi Republic) are analyzed. Field surveys were carried out in the second half of March in 2005–2007 and 2014–2015 on open flat spaces and in the intercrown spaces of forest stands. The studies were conducted at the same monitoring points, which allowed for a correct analysis of spatial and temporal differences. By route observations, measurements of the snow depth and snow density were carried out, and the values of snow water equivalent were calculated. The obtained data were compared with the results of measurements at the stations of the federal meteorological service. Schematic maps of the spatial distribution of snow cover parameters were constructed. The influence of the landscape on snow accumulation was shown: snow depth increased in intercrown spaces of forest stands; in open areas, snow compaction with a decrease in snow depth took place. The wide territorial distribution of measurement points made it possible to estimate the longitudinal effect on the snow cover parameters as related to the corresponding features of the relief. The maximum snow accumulation was observed along the Ural Mountains in the eastern part of the study area, where intense moisture condensation and precipitation take place. Snow depth and snow water equivalent in the foothills increased to the east. At the same time, the zone of increased snow density was noted in the western part of the Komi Republic. The obtained field data are consistent with long-term observations by other authors, as well as with the results of measurements at the network of weather stations.
Keywords: snow cover, snow depth, snow density, snow water equivalent, taiga zone, northeast of European Russia
Recommended citation: Vasilevich M.I., Shchanov V.M., 2023. Spatial and temporal differentiation of snow cover parameters in the taiga zone of the northeast of European Russia. Earth’s Cryosphere XXVII (2), 39–46.