Northern Hemisphere Snowfall



Dr. Bishop: Okay, what did you come up with?
(select all that apply)
Prior to 1970, the average area of the Northern Hemisphere covered by snow was fairly consistent.
Between 1990 and 2005, the average total area of the Northern Hemisphere covered decreased, compared to the previous years.
The maximum snow cover extent occurred in 1990.
The depth of snowfall was a minimum in 1990.
Dr. Bishop says:Close
Right! I agree with your interpretation.
  • While there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers , with slight variability.
  • The 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
Dr. Bishop says:Close
Not Exactly. Maybe you overlooked:
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers with minor variability.
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
  • That this figure provides information on the area covered by snow, there is no information about the amount of snowfall that fell.
  • 1990 had the lowest snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere, not the lowest depth.
Dr. Bishop says:Close
Not Exactly. Maybe you overlooked:
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers with minor variability.
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
  • That this figure provides information on the area covered by snow, there is no information about the amount of snowfall that fell.
  • 1990 had the lowest snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere, not the lowest depth.

Dr. Bishop says:Close
Not Exactly. Maybe you overlooked:
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers with minor variability.
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
  • That this figure provides information on the area covered by snow, there is no information about the amount of snowfall that fell.
  • 1990 had the lowest snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere, not the lowest depth.

Dr. Bishop says:Close
No way! If you can't see the trends here I don't think you are experienced enough for this job. Let's go talk to Dr. Snow to see if we can get you some remedial training.
Here's what you missed:
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers with minor variability.
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
  • That this figure provides information on the area covered by snow, there is no information about the amount of snowfall that fell.
  • 1990 had the lowest snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere, not the lowest depth.

Dr. Bishop says:Close
No way! If you can't see the trends here I don't think you are experienced enough for this job. Let's go talk to Dr. Snow to see if we can get you some remedial training.
Here's what you missed:
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the average area coverage of snowfall prior to 1970 was about 37.5x10^6 square kilometers with minor variability.
  • That while there is a large year-to-year variability, the 15 year average between 1990-2005 is lower than previous years.
  • That this figure provides information on the area covered by snow, there is no information about the amount of snowfall that fell.
  • 1990 had the lowest snow cover extent for the Northern Hemisphere, not the lowest depth.