Understanding Snow and Its Role in Winter Sports

What was a major concern for the organizers of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi?

• The availability of enough snow

• The number of participating athletes

• The design of the Olympic venues

• The security arrangements for the event

What is required for supercooled water droplets to transform into snowflakes?

• Direct sunlight

• High temperatures

• Contact with nucleating particles

• Strong winds

Which factors determine the size and shape of snowflakes?

• Humidity and temperature

• Wind speed and altitude

• Sunlight and air pressure

• Time of day and season

What happens to snowflakes once they land on the ground?

• They immediately melt

• They remain unchanged

• They undergo physical changes

• They evaporate into the atmosphere

What was one of the contingency plans made by Sochi organizers due to mild winters?

• Importing snow from other countries

• Canceling outdoor events

• Using artificial snow machines

• Storing snow under insulating blankets