Burned trees (IMAGE) Colorado State University Caption Trees absorb solar energy and emit thermal energy, melting the snow at their bases. Snow in burn sites stays colder during the winter because there is less thermal energy but melts faster in the spring without the tree canopy to shade it. Credit Photo by Wyatt Reis Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.