The Science of Snow

Front

What is snow?

Back

Snow is a form of precipitation that consists of ice crystals that fall from clouds when the temperature is below freezing.

Front

What shape do snowflakes typically have?

Back

Snowflakes typically have a hexagonal shape due to the molecular structure of ice.

Front

What is the process of snow formation?

Back

Snow forms when water vapor in the atmosphere freezes into ice crystals, which then clump together to form snowflakes.

Front

What is the difference between snow and sleet?

Back

Snow is made of ice crystals, while sleet is formed when raindrops freeze before reaching the ground.

Front

What is a snowflake?

Back

A snowflake is a single ice crystal or an aggregation of ice crystals that falls from the atmosphere.

Front

What is the term for the tree-like shape of some snowflakes?

Back

The term is 'dendritic', which describes the branching pattern of certain snowflakes.

Front

What is the temperature range for snow to form?

Back

Snow typically forms when temperatures are at or below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit).

Front

What is the role of humidity in snow formation?

Back

Higher humidity levels in the atmosphere can lead to more snowflakes forming, as there is more water vapor available to freeze.

Front

What is the significance of snowflakes having six arms?

Back

Snowflakes have six arms due to the hexagonal arrangement of water molecules in ice.

Front

What happens to snowflakes as they fall to the ground?

Back

Snowflakes can change shape and size as they fall, depending on temperature and humidity conditions.