Some relationships among air, snow, and soil temperatures and soil frost

Abstract

Each winter gives examples of the insulating properties of snow cover. Seeds and soil fauna are protected from the cold by snow. Underground water pipes are less likely to freeze under snow cover. And, according to many observers, the occurrence, penetration, and thaw of soil frost are affected by snow cover. The depth of snow necessary to protect soil from freezing will depend, of course, on the air temperature.

Citation

Hart, George; Lull, Howard W. 1963. Some relationships among air, snow, and soil temperatures and soil frost. Research Note NE-3. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 1-4