Hydrologic cycle and snow

Abstract

Snow as a precipitate is a significant component of the hydrologic cycle especially in watersheds of high latitude or higher altitudes. The processes that are responsible for the timing and quantity of snowfall are reasonably well understood. However, estimation of basic liquid input from precipitation and snowpacks for modeling has been a challenge due to blowing snow and interception. Meltwater from snow as runoff has been difficult to model due to ice damming conditions and lack of direct measurements and physical input required for model simulation. Snowfall has considerable effect on landscape changes, global climate, and the hydrologic cycle.