Multiple Effects of Changes in Arctic Snow Cover

摘要: Snow cover plays a major role in the climate, hydrological and ecological systems of Arctic other regions through its influence on surface energy balance (e.g. reflectivity), water storage release), thermal regimes insulation), vegetation trace gas fluxes. Feedbacks to climate system have global consequences. The livelihoods well-being residents many services for wider population depend snow conditions so changes important Already, changing conditions, particularly reduced summer soil moisture, winter thaw events rain-on-snow negatively affected commercial forestry, reindeer herding, some wild animal populations vegetation. Reductions are also adversely impacting indigenous peoples' access traditional foods with negative impacts human health well-being. However, there likely be benefits from regime such as more even run-off melting that favours hydropower operations.