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Snow Science - Page 2

© Debbie St. Germain

numerous layers, there is the added hazard of avalanches. An avalanche is when huge amounts of snow fall at a tremendous speed down a mountainside. These are caused when one of the layers becomes too weak to hold the snow above it. A sudden cold snap is one reason people have to be careful with an early snowfall. The ground is still warm ad the rising heat can change the structure of the crystals so they do not stick to each other.

Snowflakes unable to stick pull harder on the snowflakes farther uphill. Eventually the surface flakes pull apart and form a crack in the snow. Since there is nothing for the snow below the crack to cling to, it becomes unstable. Skiers, planes or any loud noises can set off an avalanche. As the snow comes crashing down the mountain, it can reach speeds up to 200 miles per hour. In Switzerland they once believed that avalanches were set off by trolls.

Scientists are now studying and monitoring conditions in the mountains. They measure the density and tension between flakes. The wind strength and direction, snow temperature, angle of the slope and crystal type are other things they collect as data. This helps forecast possible areas were an avalanche can occur.

Another ice phenomenon is when giant balls of ice come flying through the sky, called hail. Hail is frozen balls of ice but it isn't a winter event. During thunderstorms, strong updrafts in Cumulonimbus clouds form. Small ice or snow pellets are swept up and down, gathering more layers of ice. When it reaches a diameter of 1/5 inch it is considered a hailstone. When they fall, a wrath of ice balls come hurling towards the earth, pounding onto cars and rooftops.

Sometimes you see something like hail but it is more like a snowball then the hard balls of hail. Graupel is something you may see in blizzards and Lake Effect Storms. They are highly electrified and if they strike antennas, they produce a static noise.

Experiments and Snow Activities:

Don't get Flakey - The density of water, ice and snow aren't the same even though all three are composed of H2O. In this experiment you'll measure the relative densities of these three substances.

Snowman Unit - A great activity to do in your class. Build a snowman with your classmates, then use math to learn about measuring and units. Activities for writing, science and further exploration will make this the best learning experience your class has ever had.

Snow Science - Learn to capture and mount your own snowflakes that you may view under a

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