Understanding the Snowfall Disparity between Asahikawa, Japan and Burlington, Vermont
At first glance, the climates of Asahikawa, Japan, and Burlington, Vermont, appear to be nearly identical. However, a closer examination reveals striking differences in snowfall patterns. Asahikawa experiences an average of 300 inches of snow annually, compared to Burlington's 71.8 inches, a stark 3-fold difference. While Asahikawa receives more annual precipitation, this alone does not fully explain the disparity. Let's delve into the factors that contribute to this significant difference.
Climate Similarities and Differences
Total Snowfall and Annual Precipitation
Despite certain climatic similarities, the snowfall totals for Asahikawa and Burlington diverge drastically. Asahikawa records an average of 300 inches of snow per year, while Burlington sees only 71.8 inches. This significant difference cannot be explained solely by the slightly higher annual precipitation in Asahikawa. There are other factors at play.
Geographical Elevation
Geographical elevation plays a crucial role in snowfall patterns. Asahikawa sits at an elevation of 112 meters, whereas Burlington is located at an elevation of only 61 meters. Asahikawa's higher elevation contributes to its colder temperatures and more intense snowfall. Additionally, Asahikawa is characterized by more mountainous terrain, further intensifying the snowfall.
Latitude
Both cities are located at similar latitudes, with Asahikawa at 43.7709° N and Burlington at 44.475883° N. This geographical similarity means that the latitude does not significantly affect the snow line in these regions. The snow line is primarily influenced by elevation and terrain.
Winter and Daytime Temperatures
The average minimum winter temperatures and daytime high temperatures in both cities are remarkably similar. This similarity in thermal conditions further reinforces that latitude does not significantly contribute to the snowfall disparity.
Snowfall Days
The key factor that explains the difference in snowfall is the number of snowfall days. Asahikawa experiences an average of 142.3 snowfall days per year, more than three times the 54.4 snowfall days in Burlington. This substantial difference in the number of snowfall days accounts for the vast disparity in overall snowfall totals.
Coastal vs. Inland Location
Location plays a significant role in snowfall patterns. Asahikawa's island location provides it with more sustained winter snowfall compared to Burlington, which is an inland location near Lake Champlain. Areas near the coast can experience a lower snow line due to warmer average summer temperatures, but this effect is less pronounced in this scenario.
Conclusion
While the climates in Asahikawa and Burlington appear similar, the significant difference in snowfall can be attributed to a combination of factors, including elevated elevation, more mountainous terrain, and the higher number of snowfall days. Understanding these factors provides a clearer picture of why Asahikawa experiences so much more snowfall than Burlington, even when controlling for similar climatic conditions.
Burlington, Vermont
Asahikawa, Japan