Characteristics of Snow Depth and Snow Phenology in the High Latitudes and High Altitudes of the Northern Hemisphere from 1988 to 2018

Snow cover is an important part of the Earth’s surface and its changes affect local even global climates due to high albedo heat insulation. However, it difficult directly compare results previous studies on in snow Northern Hemisphere mainland (NH) use different datasets, research methods, or study periods, a lack comparison terms differences similarities at latitudes altitudes. By using depth we analyzed spatio-temporal distributions variations (SD) phenology (SP) NH nine typical areas. This revealed that SD generally decreased significantly (p < 0.01) from 1988 2018, with rate ?0.55 cm/decade. Changes were insignificant altitudes, but significant decreases found latitudes. With regard SP, onset day (SCOD) advanced 31.57% was delayed 21.10% NH. In areas such as Rocky Mountains, West Siberian Plain, Central Plateau, SCOD presented advancing trends, while delay trend observed Eastern European Plain. The end (SCED) 37.29% 14.77% Negative SCED trends most duration (SCD) season length (SSL) showed positive negative Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. this comprehensive characterized by SD, SCED, insignificantly increasing SCD SSL trends. values similar latitudes, value larger than exhibited interannual fluctuation characteristics each area. increased (decreased) (delayed) SCODs.