Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 03/28/2012 - 13:38

Dear Mr. Wood,

I think that the leeward side of the fence is called the Winter Warming side because the snow is layering as if it a 'blanket'. Like a blanket, it is gathering heat under it making it actually warmer under the snow than above it... My questions: Is organic material capable of living underneath the snow, or is it too cold? Also is there enough water (melted snow) for the plants to even try to survive underneath it? Would the permafrost be too high for them to grow their roots into the ground? Good Luck!!!

Sincerely, Olivia Dillon Period 4

John Wood

Good thinking! You are right. Yes, organic material can survive under the snow. Most of the plants find their own way of adapting and sitting out the winter so that they can take off again in spring. They don't care about the water so much at this time because they are not photosynthesizing and don't need the water right now. But it is a constant battle for them to get their roots into the permafrost for that short period of thaw, to grow and reproduce as fast as they can while they have the chance!Thank you for the wonderful questions,
Mr. Wood