TERMIUM Plus®

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CLIMATE SNOWLINE [1 record]

Record 1 2012-01-16

English

Subject field(s)
  • Climatology
  • Glaciology
DEF

The altitude above which a flat surface (fully exposed to sun, wind, and precipitation) would experience a net accumulation of snow over an extended period of time.

CONT

The term "transient" snowline is referred to as the boundary between a snow-covered surface and a bare surface at any given time ... The transient snowline may reside on the ground as well as on the surface of a glacier. It is continuously changing, being near sea level during winter in some locations, or on the highest mountain slopes in the summer. The final height of the transient snowline at the end of the melting season will vary from year to year depending on changes in precipitation and temperatures. The term "climatic" snowline is given to the average elevation of the highest transient snowline on bare ground for a number of years.

OBS

Below this altitude ablation would predominate.

OBS

While this concept is largely theoretical in application, it corresponds closely to the actual firn line of a glacier and to the average summer position of the snow line in mountainous terrain.

Key term(s)
  • climate snowline
  • climate snow-line

French

Domaine(s)
  • Climatologie
  • Glaciologie
DEF

Altitude la plus basse de la couche continue de neige sur les hautes montagnes en été.

CONT

La «limite climatique» des neiges est [...] un concept théorique. C'est la limite topographique que l'on observerait sur un sol sensiblement horizontal, ni particulièrement exposé ni particulièrement abrité du vent, et non abrité du soleil. Autrement dit, il ne doit pas dépendre de la topographie de la région mais uniquement de son climat.

Key term(s)
  • limite climatique du manteau neigeux

Spanish

Campo(s) temático(s)
  • Climatología
  • Glaciología
DEF

Altitud mínima donde aparece la capa de nieve, en verano, en las montañas más altas.

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