Snow melting systems with ground water

More than 20% of Japanese live in the snowy area, which occupies about 60% of the country of Japan. Therefore, snow removal and snow control on roads have been essential since early times in Japan. The weather in winter Japan is distinguished from others, because of much snowfall with not so cold atmospheric temperatures, especially in the Northeastern districts. Snow melting systems with ground water have been developed and it has been proven that the temperature of ground water is sufficient for snow melting. It has an economical advantages because it does not need any fuel nor electricity as a heat source. This paper introduces the distinctions of the winter weather, the history of snow removal/control, snow melting systems with ground water and also some considerations on the requirements of heat value for the snow melting system in the Northeastern districts mainly, which seems to be the typical snowy area of Japan.