This week's LIO is all about life down underneath the snow during these cold winter months! Throughout the season, there are a lot of animals that capitalize on deep snowy areas to help stay active in the subnivean climate - the space between the ground and the snow. Snow can act as a great thermal insulator for these animals. While the temperature outside can be anywhere from -20°C to -40°C, only 25cm of snow is enough to create an environment that is just around 0°C to help keep these creatures warm and active in these harsh winter conditions!
The activities below introduce students to some of the many changes that happen to our ecosystem during this time of the year. We examine the lives of animals underneath the snow, how to identify animal tracks and signs of wildlife activity, and the challenges that many animals face during the winter that are brought on by climate change. Be sure to check out our Step Outside Nature Guide to learn more about The Action Down Under and to read about other happenings during this time of the year!
|