The buffering effect of snow cover to the impact of vehicles on the soil and vegetation cover in the north

Abstract

The main properties of the arctic snowpack are analyzed, together with its role in protecting the soil and vegetation cover from mechanical impacts of vehicles, especially tracked all‐terrain vehicles. It was shown that at the start of snowmelt, snow is compacted in the tracks, thus forming a unique protective buffer where the snow is relatively dry. The characteristics of the process of snow compaction in the track, protecting the vegetation cover from the direct impact of metal grouser plates of Soviet all‐terrain vehicles are presented. The prospects of reducing the negative impact of vehicles on the soil and vegetation cover where a snow cover exists are discussed.