In some parts of North America, snow is an annual fact of life. People in other regions don't even get a flake! Researchers at CRYSYS (Cryosphere Systems in Canada) study snow and ice in North America. Explore what they uncovered and then compare their findings with data from your own schoolyard.

1. Look closely at this interactive animation. It show the average monthly snow cover from 1972 to 1993.* (The darker the color, the greater the average snow cover.) You can slow down the animation with the "speed adjust" arrow or play it manually, month by month, using the "step" arrow.
   
   
2. Explore these questions:
   * What does this "tell" you about snow cover?
   * In which month is the largest area covered with snow? In which month is the smallest area covered with snow?
   * Which parts of North America get the most snow? The least? How would you explain that?
   * Which parts of North America get snow the earliest? The latest? How would you explain that?
   * When does the snow cover seem to reverse direction? What do you think causes that?
   * What other factors are also changing along with the seasons? How might these affect the amount of snow cover?
   
   
3. Look closely at this map. It shows how long snow cover lasted (from 0 to 360 days), on average, during the same period.


4. Explore these questions:
   * What does this "tell" you about the duration of snow cover in different parts of North America?
   * Why do you think these differences exist?
   * What other factors are also changing along with the seasons? How might these affect how long snow cover lasts?
   * What new questions do you have?
   

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