Snow can be best friend, worst enemy for survival
February 25, 2001

After months of living with it, how about a different word for SNOW? In Spanish it is called NIEVE.

This Spanish word is used in the scientific term for a snowy world called the Nivean Environment. Most living things pass the winter season living in contact with it.

Snow may be the key to survival or the worst enemy of things that have to survive in a snowy world.

Scientists have divided this so-called "Nivean Environment" into three areas: those above the snow surface, one within the snow pack and the area between the ground and the snow.

The Greek word for snow is "chion" and the way living things do or do not adapt to snow are labeled as follows: Chionophobes (snow fearers) that tend to live in warmer climes, or like some humans, escape by migrating south.

Chionophores are "snow tolerators", they may live under the snow or find favorable conditions in which they can survive. Examples are the shrew, red fox, vole, and elk.

Chionophiles (snow lovers) have adapted for life in a winter environment, such as the snowshoe hare. Other creatures like birds and insects may fit in any of these categories.

How do living things adapt to the Nivean Environment? Many small animals spend the inter in the layer next to the ground where the snow gradually changes into a lattice-work of ice and air spaces.

This area means survival for small animals such as shrews, voles and mice that would freeze to death if exposed to long. The under-the -snow layer provides a good habitat for them. Hidden stores of seeds are available here.

Flattened grasses, barks of shrubs and surface roots can also provide food. Tracks may show that they explore the surface for food.

At this time they would be vulnerable for hungry hawks and owls, who in turn need them for survival.

Snow depth is also a factor. The flexibility of the long legs of a moose allow it to move each front leg nearly horizontally above the level of the snow before putting it down for another step, which allows it to move in chest-deep snow.

Some animals develop trails to follow, deer tend to "yard-up" and stay in one place, animals with large, furry feet may be able to walk on top of the snow. Humans resort to snowshoes and skis.

Crusted snow, such as is presently the condition of local snow cover, can cause stress to animals as they may become physically injured by breaking through the crust.

Crust, such as is likely to form this time of year, may trap sleeping grouse or cause such a build-up of carbon dioxide in the lower layers that small animals may die.

Plants under the snow are sensitive to the light penetrating the nivean cover and respond to the increasing light at the approach of spring. Needed chlorophyll also appears to be subject to the amount of light penetrating the snow.

In spite of and due to the snow, life goes on, but one is ready for a change...if only in the name!