2.1.6 Elevation, latitude, and terrain

Map of the worldwide climate zones using the Köppen-Geiger climate classification scheme, with several of the zones highlighted for an exercise

Although maritime areas receive the largest snow events, high-elevation areas at middle and high latitudes (30 to 35 degrees and higher) have the largest average annual snowpacks. Why do they accumulate such deep snowpacks? Select the correct answers, then click Done.

All of the options are correct.

  • As latitude increases, winter temperatures get colder, creating conditions that are conducive to significant snowfall events. The cold temperatures also minimize cold season melting. Note that while some regions are cold enough for snow, they do not receive enough cold season precipitation to establish an extensive snowpack.
  • The polar jet stream defines the path of the strongest midlatitude storm systems, which produce heavy precipitation.
  • On average, higher elevations have colder temperatures.
  • Wind blowing upslope cools. If there's a large elevation gain and the air is sufficiently humid, clouds will form and precipitation will fall.