A study published in Nature, by two researchers at Dartmouth College in Hanover, has confirmed that global warming is leading to a decline in snowpack. Furthermore, this research claims that if certain locations reach a certain temperature, they may no longer see snowfall.
Documenting the rate, extent and causes of snow loss is essential for assessing the pace of climate change and for managing the risks posed by declining snowpack.
Through a system of reconstructions, it was possible to identify trends in snow phenomena attributable to human influence. In addition, high temperatures can favour rain on snow, increasing its melting, reducing water accumulation and promoting hydrological risks.
In general, snowpack change has not been uniform or linear worldwide, but after an area reaches -8°C on average, snow losses accelerate exponentially.
Throughout the northern hemisphere, climate change is creating a decline in the snowpack, and these consequences will soon be homogenised in the rest of the hemispheres as well.
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