Lake-Effect Snow Concepts and Effects

The video explores the phenomenon of lake-effect snow, particularly its impact on Buffalo, New York. It explains how cold air passing over warm lake water creates heavy snowfalls, influenced by factors like wind direction and temperature differences. The video delves into the science of density and atmospheric instability, showing how these contribute to snow formation. It concludes with a viewer challenge to explore density further.

What is a key characteristic of lake-effect snow?

• It occurs only in mountainous regions.

• It happens only during the summer months.

• It results from cold air passing over warm lake water.

• It is caused by warm air moving over cold land.

Which of the following is NOT a necessary condition for lake-effect snow?

• Winds blowing in the same direction

• High humidity in the air

• An Arctic air mass

• A large, warm body of water

What determines the 'fetch' in lake-effect snow formation?

• The depth of the lake

• The temperature of the lake

• The distance wind travels over the lake

• The height of the surrounding mountains

Why does snow accumulate more in some areas during lake-effect snow events?

• Due to the lake's salinity

• Because of the wind's strength and direction

• Due to the width of the snow bands

• Because of the lake's depth

What is the average width of a lake-effect snow band?

• 5 miles

• 10 miles

• 30 miles

• 20 miles

How is density calculated?

• By multiplying mass by volume

• By adding mass and volume

• By dividing volume by mass

• By dividing mass by volume

What happens to warm air in relation to cooler air due to density differences?

• Warm air stays at the same level as cooler air

• Warm air rises above cooler air

• Warm air moves horizontally

• Warm air sinks below cooler air

In the density experiment, what color was used to represent cold water?

• Green

• Blue

• Yellow

• Red

What creates buoyancy in the atmosphere during lake-effect snow formation?

• The density of the lake water

• The temperature of the land

• The warm, moist air rising

• The cold air sinking

What is the average annual snowfall in Buffalo due to lake-effect snow?

• 91.9 inches

• 120 inches

• 70 inches

• 50 inches