Continentality and the snowpack density distribution in the western United States
Title | Continentality and the snowpack density distribution in the western United States |
Publication Type | Conference Proceedings |
Year of Conference | 1995 |
Authors | Kosnik, K. E. |
Conference Name | 63rd Annual Western Snow Conference |
Series Title | Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Western Snow Conference |
Date Published | April 1995 |
Publisher | Western Snow Conference |
Conference Location | Sparks, Nevada |
Keywords | Climate, Indices, Snow density |
Abstract | An index of continentality is used to evaluate the distribution of snowpack density in the western United States. Continentality describes the climatic differences arising from proximity to major water bodies and from the effects of a continental land mass. The ability of maritime air masses to penetrate inland and impart a moderating effect on surface air temperature is reflected by the continentality index. Close proximity to the Pacific Ocean has the effect of providing abundant moisture for precipitation and minimizing the annual range in temperatures. The continental interior experiences an increased temperature range and a dryer climate. The dependence of snowfall and, ultimately, snowpack density on atmospheric temperature and water vapor supply, suggests a link between continentality and snowpack density. The usefulness of a continentality index to capture climate conditions relevant to snow density is evaluated. |
URL | sites/westernsnowconference.org/PDFs/1995Kosnik.pdf |