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Peering into the secret world of life beneath winter snows

illustration showing plants and animals under snow

A secret world, unseen by most humans, is alive just beneath the winter snow.

Credit: Kristin Link, https://www.flickr.com/photos/kristinillustration/


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a willow ptarmigan

The willow ptarmigan is a common resident of the subnivium; it uses snow as an insulating blanket.

Credit: John Whiteman


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frozen wood frog on snow

How do wood frogs survive being frozen in winter? By living under the snow surface.

Credit: Jan Storey


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A winter ecologist peers beneath the subnivium and into the den of a porcupine living there.

A winter ecologist peers beneath the subnivium and into a porcupine den.

Credit: Jonathan Pauli


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map of north america showing snwo cover

The depth and extent of snow cover in North America are rapidly decreasing, affecting the subnivium.

Credit: NASA


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A micro-greenhouse and research equipment in the field with snow

A micro-greenhouse can reproduce climate change's effects on the world under snow.

Credit: Nick Kryshak, University of Wisconsin-Madison


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