Dynamics of subnivean temperature and wind speed in subalpine forests of the Rocky Mountains

Abstract

1. 1. We investigated temperature and wind speed regimes in the subnivean resting sites of American martens ( Martes americana) in coniferous forests of the Rocky Mountains. 2. 2. Air exchange between subnivean spaces and outside air was the major determinant of differences between subnivean and ambient temperature and wind speed. 3. 3. Increasing snow depth decreased the linkage between the subnivean environment and that above the snow. 4. 4. Using artificial subnivean cavities, we experimentally confirmed the importance of the number of tunnels connecting the resting site to surface air in coupling the subnivean environment to that above the snow. 5. 5. In montane environments with complex physical structure near the ground and frequent high winds, the subnivean environment is more coupled to that above the snow than is the case in taiga forests, where wind speeds and physical structure near the ground generally are lower.