How does the snow form?

Every winter the northern countries are covered with a beautiful cold snow blanket. And surely many of us at this time of year wondered: how the snow is formed. Let's understand.

What makes the snow?

Snow is called a special form of precipitation, whichconsists of the smallest crystals of frozen water. The physical mechanism of snow formation is very simple. Microscopic water droplets in the atmosphere adhere to dust particles and freeze at a temperature of -2 degrees or less. As a result of this, ice crystals are formed, which under the action of gravity fall to the ground. Such crystals are called snowflakes.

Snowflakes in size not larger than the tenthparts of a millimeter and always form sharp ends with right angles of 60 or 120 degrees. This is due to the molecular structure of the water. It is interesting that in the process of falling to the ground the snowflake changes its shape considerably due to the constant condensation of moisture, which immediately freezes.

Snow color and structure

Curious why the snow is white. In fact, the white color of the snow is simple: inside the snowflake is air. According to research, the snowflake is 95% airborne. Light reflects from the crystal and dissipates, which is why the snow is white.

Snow can be friable, wet or dry. This is due to the number of crystals that form snowflakes, as well as the air temperature. So, snowflakes, which were formed in dry cold air, will give friable snow. At high temperatures, snowflakes quickly melt around the edges, which is why they stick to each other. So, in the fall they form heavy snowballs and flakes. Consequently, the snow will be wet and will begin to melt quickly.