by Carl Strang
As we approach the spring equinox, day length and sun elevation are increasing at their most rapid rate. The seemingly endless winter cannot hold out against this, and we are starting to see thawing happening faster than new snow can be deposited. Though snow remains deep in places, every little dark surface is absorbing the more intense light, converting it to heat, and melting the nearby snow.
This is true even on the fine scale. Here, grass stems are warming enough to melt the snow around them.
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