The Art of Ecology
Building visual connections between people and nature.
By mid-February, I am 100% done with winter weather and am ready for spring sunshine! Thanks to climate change I hear the birds starting to sing and witness the return of the migratory Red-Winged Blackbird in late-February to early March. There have been several days above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the snow, if we got much, has all melted.
While I’m not a fan of snow, I do understand its importance in allowing my favorite spring wildflowers to grow and feed the wildlife I love.
What Does Snowfall Do for Soil?
When snow falls, it acts as an insulator. Yes, the top surface of the ground has frozen over, but farther down, the soil is still warm and cozy. Many insects, reptiles, and even some mammals rely on the warmth of their underground habitats to help them survive the winter. Without a layer of snow, the soil would be exposed to extreme temperatures, and the soil would freeze farther down. This would prevent those animals from being able to burrow deeply enough to escape the low temperatures.
In the spring, when the snow starts to melt, removing the layer of insulation, the temperatures have increased enough to keep those animals safe and even trigger their re-awakening.
What Does Snowmelt Do for Water Levels?
As snow accumulates, then melts, the cold water replenishes the groundwater levels. This snow melt refills low stream, river, and lake levels, especially in colder portions of the United States. Here in Pennsylvania, snowmelt significantly should help rejuvenate water levels. In more northern regions, like Canada, as much as 75% of later-year water in rivers comes from snowmelt! This snowmelt is vital for keeping both plants and animals alive throughout the year.
Without Snowmelt
Unfortunately, as temperatures continue to increase, snow falls become exceedingly rare. 2023 was the warmest year since global records started in 1850. Each year is predicted to be warmer than the last. Without that snowmelt in areas where the wildlife have adapted to winter snowstorms, both plants and animals can suffer. The water will not be enough (or cool enough) to maintain aquatic life, which impacts terrestrial life. While climate change is normal to an extent, human-caused climate change speeds up the process. This doesn’t allow wildlife the time needed to adapt.
Fortunately, there is hope. Personal changes and actions may seem small, but when many people take action, big changes can occur. Try these items to reduce your carbon footprint and mitigate human-caused climate change:
- Switch energy source or suppliers to a renewable resource. PECO, the power provider in my area, allows you to choose where your power comes from. I was able to choose wind power for my household, and hope to install solar panels when we are able to purchase a home instead of rent.
- Plant natives, especially trees and along riparian zones! Plants have the incredible ability to sequester carbon. Maintaining a high level of plant biodiversity goes a long way in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. Find plants native to your area here!
- Reduce food waste. When food enters a landfill and isn’t allowed to decompose naturally, it produces methane. This is a gas that exacerbates climate change. Compost, grow new plants from waste like celery hearts or avocado pits, and eat what you put on your plate!
- Support eco-conscientious organizations. Businesses and industries male a HUGE impact on climate change, so support the ones who make a positive difference!
Support The Art of Ecology through merch purchases! A portion of the proceeds benefits wildlife conservation and habitat preservation efforts.
1 Comments on “Role of Snow Melt in Healthy Ecosystems”
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Thank you for your wonderful post, Marissa! It is really pedagogical and inspiring. It is crystal clear that snowmelt plays a crucial role in nature, but before melting, snow can also be detrimental to nature, more specifically to flora. With your permission, I am writing a few words below just to give you a quick picture of the situation 🙂
I’m a a nature lover myself and I believe that natural ecology protection initiatives should be implemented in many parts of Europe, even in countries boasting the foliage and greenery of wild areas. For example, some months ago, I explored a forestal area in the south of Norway, where the Norway spruce (a type of pinetree) is (for now) a common sight. I particularly got amazed at one scene of splendorous, green spruce trees warmly hugging a hill from all sides, embracing it in close harmony. This beautiful togetherness should never be disrupted. That’s what I thought at that moment.
However, and this is my major point, ecologists say the Norway spruce has become a vulnerable species, mainly due to insect outbreaks and SNOW-BREAK: heavy snow and icy chunks fall off higher trees and tree branches, fatally damaging lower trees and tree branches. This is scientifically called “salvage cutting” and is so harmful to the Norway spruce. This fact made me ponder over the paradoxes of life: what is doubtless positive to some natural elements is negative to some others. This is my point, which I thought you might find interesting as a curious note.
Thank you for letting me post on your blog and all the best!