OUTLINE Introduction Background information HypothesisMethodsResultsDiscussionConclusion

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether or not urbanization has a significant effect on snow properties by sampling such properties and analyzing them in detail Once analyzed, the results will be graphed to show correlations with one another and to show whether or not noticeable trends exist with urbanization

INTRODUCTION Snow Properties: –Temperature –Depth –Density –Albedo –Snowmelt –Snow water Equivalence –Distribution

HYPOTHESIS After a thorough investigation in both urban and rural environments and their respective snow properties, it should be evident that urbanization plays a major role in affecting these properties

THE ROUTE

METHODS Sampling commenced downtown Toronto on King St. and continued North for approximately 120km to just North of Barrie Samples were taken at most major intersections Infrared thermometer was used to determine surface temperature

METHODS 25cm x 25cm quadrant was used for snow samples then weighed instantly in a zip-loc weighed instantly in a zip-loc bag on a portable electronic balance Depth was measured with a meter stick SWE was derived by plugging density and depth into the SWE equation

RESULTS As distance from the downtown core increases, there is a slight decrease in the surface temperature of the snow

RESULTS As distance from the downtown core increases, again there is a slight decrease in snow density

RESULTS As distance from the downtown core increases, snow depth on the other hand increases slightly

RESULTS As distance from the downtown core increases, there is a very slight decrease in Snow-Water Equivalence with random explainable peaks en route

COMPARING RESULTS

CORRELATIONS

DISCUSSION Referring to the data collected, there are possible errors involved in the collection of this data The investigation commenced at the downtown core and continued North for about 120km During this time incoming solar radiation affected the results and for example made the surface temperature greater in the North than it would have been if the samples were taken at the exact time of day Due to the fact that we are not 20 people, avoiding such an error was far from possible

DISCUSSION Another error involved in this investigation was the fact that there was a severe snow storm about 3 days before these snow samples were taken This was a regional storm throughout southern Ontario and diminishes the local effects of urbanization Many factors are involved in the trends in this investigation such as anthropogenic heat release affecting samples taken near buildings such as downtown and on the York campus Interception of snowfall/radiation, albedo, vegetation, materials, pollutants and road salts

CONCLUSION After a thorough investigation in both urban and rural environments and their respective snow properties, one can notice that there is an obvious trend in these properties as proximity from the downtown core increases due to urbanization

HYPOTHESIS After a thorough investigation in both urban and rural environments and their respective snow properties, it should be evident that urbanization plays a major role in affecting these properties

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