Snow
Definition
Snow is a type of precipitation in the form of crystalline water ice that falls from clouds. It is composed of small ice particles that form when water vapor condenses directly into ice without passing through the liquid phase.
Formation
Snow forms when the atmospheric temperature is below freezing and there is enough moisture in the air for cloud formation. Water vapor in the air condenses and freezes into ice crystals, which then join together to form snowflakes. These snowflakes grow in size as they encounter more water vapor in the atmosphere before eventually falling to the ground.
Types of Snowflakes
Snowflakes come in various shapes and sizes, but they are all hexagonal (six-sided) in structure. Common types of snowflakes include dendrites, needles, plates, and columns, each with its own unique structure and formation conditions.
Properties
Snow is known for its insulating properties, as it can create a layer of air between its crystals, which helps to trap heat and maintain the temperature of the ground beneath it. Additionally, snow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a significant amount of sunlight, which can influence local and global climate patterns.
Effects of Snow
Snowfall can have a range of effects on the environment, including providing much-needed moisture for plants and ecosystems, contributing to winter sports and recreation activities, and creating hazards such as slippery road conditions and avalanches.
Study Guide
- What is snow?
- How does snow form?
- What are the different types of snowflakes?
- What are the properties of snow?
- What effects does snow have on the environment?
