1. Any warm wind blowing over a snow surface; usually applied to a foehn wind, that is, schneefresser. See also chinook. 2. A fog over a snow surface; so called because of the frequently observed rapi
dity with which a snow cover disappears after a fog sets in. As water vapor from the air condenses on the snow, the latent heat of condensation causes the snow to become warmer and melt faster.
1. In surface weather observations, usually expressed as centimeters or inches of snow depth per six-hourly period. 2. The accumulation of snow during a specified period of time.
The depth of snow that falls from the air and accumulates on the surface during a stated period. Snowfall excludes the deposition of windborne snow. The quantity of snow falling within a given area in
a given time.
Pn that does not evaporate or run off must accumulate, contributing to the ice balance I as N. The total runoff is the sum of runoff from snow Qn, runoff from ice and firn Qi and runoff of liquid-wate
r inputs.
(1) Form of shelterbelt, generally a fence of open construction erected at some distance from an area which is to be protected from snowdrifts; the action of the fence is to pile up snow on its lee si
de. (2) Barrier of open construction, generally one to three metres in height, erected at a distance of about 15 m from a railway line or road to protect it from snow.
1. An open, slatted board fence usually 1-3 m high, placed upwind of a railroad track or highway. The fence serves to create eddies in the downstream airflow, resulting in a reduced wind speed such th
at snow is deposited close to the fence on its leeward side. The intent is to provide a comparatively clear zone along the railroad track or highway. A snow fence is also used to accumulate drifting snow in a flat windswept area to reduce the depth of ground frost and increase soil moisture as the snow melts. 2. Same as Wild fence.
A more or less extensive and persistent mass of snow. Snowfields are more extensive than snowpatches, but the distinction is not made precisely in common usage. A snowfield that is perennial may be di
fficult to distinguish from a glacier.