How does snow cover make the taiga climate colder?

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Boreal forest in Alaska — Taiga Boreal forest, Alaska, U.S., dominated by spruce trees (*Picea*).

Snow cover contributes to the cold climate of the taiga primarily by reflecting incoming solar radiation back into the atmosphere, which amplifies cooling in the region. Because snow is highly reflective, it prevents the ground from absorbing as much solar energy as it would otherwise, leading to lower surface temperatures.1

While snow cover can sometimes act as an insulator that prevents heat from escaping the ground—potentially warming permafrost—its dominant climatic effect in the taiga is this reflective cooling. The taiga forest itself helps mitigate this effect by roughening and darkening the landscape, which reduces the amount of energy reflected compared to a smooth, open snow-covered surface.12