Abstract: The presence of the snow layer plays important energetic, hydrological and ecological roles upon forest vegetation. Snow deposition is highly influenced by dominant wind direction during the snowing episode and also by the presence or absence of obstacles (forest stands, vegetation debris on cultivated lands, various types of constructions). The present paper presents the results of the snow layer thickness measurements within the forest and in the nearby area. The measurements were performed in 16-18 February 2012, after a heavy snowing episode during 14-15 February 2012. Data processing was performed with Kyplot software for the comparison of snow depositions within the forest, outside the forest and between these situations. The variations of the snow depositions thickness were not significant within the forest and extremely significant nearby the forest. In most occasions, the forest played the role of a wall diminishing the wind speed therefore the snow was deposited preponderantly outside the forest where various obstacles were intercepted. Tree windbreaks have beneficial roles: decrease the damaging effect of the dry winds, increase water contents of the soil and, at last but not at least, protect communication routes within and between localities. Within forest stands playing the role of windbreaks, the snow layer is deposited more or less in a non-uniform manner depending on the wind speed and direction also, the windbreak orientation. It is necessary to take into consideration as priority for local and central administrations for long term planning of the tree windbreaks designed to protect communication routes and localities respectively in areas affected by hard winds during the winters due to increased incidence of extreme meteorological events. Risk analysis in exposed areas and the application of correct measures should become priorities at national level in order to decrease the unfavourable effects of the extreme meteorological events.

Sow layer, distribution, forest vegetation effect,comparative analysis

Presentation: oral