What really is snow? We all see snow as a white fluffy blanket that coats the ground in winter time, but how does it actually form? It’s not cold clouds falling from the sky.
Snow is a type of precipitation that forms when water freezes into vapor. It is not just rain turned into ice, but a crystallization of ice that typically forms inside of clouds in the sky. Sufficient water vapor is needed for crystallization form and growth. It starts when the temperature in the atmosphere is at or below freezing (0°C or 32°F). If the ground temperature is at or below freezing, the snow will be able to make it to the ground and stick to it. But, if the snow reaches the ground when the temperature is above freezing, it will not stick to the ground and will melt into a puddle of goop.
( National Snow and Ice Data Center )
More often then not though, snow will not form if the ground temperature is at least 5°C (41°F)
Processes In Order:
- Water Vapor to Ice: ( The first step to turning vapor to ice )
- Crystal Growth: ( Collects water vapor to grow )
- Unique Shapes: ( The intricate patterns on snowflakes )
- Snowflake Formation: ( The ice crystals sticking together )
- From Cloud to Ground: ( Falling from the sky to the earth )
So now when you either go outside and make snow angels when snowy out, or if your gonna hit the mountains, now you know how the snow around you was actually made.
Fun Fact: Snow appears white because the ice crystals reflect sunlight!
