Concepts

Environmental condition characterized by limited water availability

Temperature accumulation metric calculated using averaging method with base temperature, used to predict insect phenology and plant development

The fraction of solar radiation reflected by the surface, with snow-covered surfaces having high albedo (0.8) and snow-free surfaces having lower values

The difference between net radiation flux at the surface under all-sky and clear-sky conditions, accounting for both downwelling and upwelling radiation changes

The balance of vertical radiative, conductive, and turbulent energy transfer across the infinitely thin plane of the surface

Seasonal precipitation system occurring July-September in the central Rocky Mountains bringing significant rainfall to Colorado River headwater basins

Meteorological events that are rare for a particular place or time of year and can have major ecological impacts

Atmospheric turbulence generated by airflow over mountainous terrain leading to enhanced mixing and modified precipitation processes

Spectral band ratio that leverages the fact that snow reflectance is high in visible wavelengths and low in shortwave infrared wavelengths

Valley wind that develops due to differential heating between valley floor and surrounding slopes, typically flowing upslope during daytime