Deterioration of clothing and equipment. Extreme vibrations of equipment on rocky plateaus cause equipment failure and demand preventive maintenance checks and services be performed much more than required by operator maintenance manuals. Fuel filters and air filters require more frequent maintenance. The area of cold weather operations is generally defined as the areas lying north and south of the temperate zone. It is characterized by deep snow, perma-frost, seasonally frozen ground, frozen lakes and rivers, glaciers and extreme cold.
Vegetation varies from thick evergreen trees to moss and lichens.
During summer in permafrost areas, vegetation may mat together over a pool of water that can support soldiers but will not support any type of vehicle. These areas can be extremely dangerous. There are several problems associated with a cold weather environment. Exhaustion common in cold climates especially at high elevations. Several factors must be taken into account when planning military operations in a cold weather area.