Researchers at the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources (NIEER), Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology have published two studies on historical and future changes in seasonal snow cover across Northeast China. 

Using long-term satellite observations, machine learning and CMIP6 climate projections, the team found that annual snow-cover duration declined slightly during 2000–2020, although seasonal changes varied across the region. Autumn snow-cover duration increased locally, while spring snow persisted for fewer days in parts of the Greater Khingan Mountains and for longer in parts of the Songliao Plain. 

By 2081–2100, regional mean snow-cover duration is projected to decrease by approximately 42, 64 and 85 days under low-, medium- and high-emission scenarios, respectively, relative to 2001–2020. Under the high-emission scenario, the proportion of the region with fewer than 50 snow-covered days annually could increase from 19% to 99%. 

The projections also indicate that reduced late-season snow persistence will contribute increasingly to the shortening of the snow season as warming intensifies. 

Published in Advances in Climate Change Research and Communications Earth & Environment, the studies show the importance of considering seasonal differences when examining how snow responds to climate warming and what those changes may mean for hydrological and thermal processes in cold regions.

https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17122015

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2026.110744