Allow it to snow! Allow it to snow! Allow it to snow! That is what you may be singing when Old Man Winter arrives. However, as you already know, Mother Nature does not always cooperate.
For snow to fall, there must be suitable weather conditions. This means there must be moisture in the air, particularly high up in the sky where it can fall to the ground as precipitation. Additionally, the temperature must be cold enough for the moisture to freeze into snowflakes instead of falling as raindrops.
Sometimes, it may be below freezing at ground level where you are, but you still experience rain. What is the reason for this? Even when it is cold at ground level, it could be much warmer higher up in the atmosphere, causing the moisture to fall as rain rather than snow.
On other occasions, it may be above freezing at ground level, but you observe beautiful snowflakes falling outside your window. This indicates that it is probably much colder higher up in the atmosphere.
The individuals who operate ski resorts understand how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. They strive to provide the best skiing conditions for visitors for as long as possible, and that requires one thing: a significant amount of snow!
Unfortunately, the weather conditions are not always favorable for snow. This fact led some innovative individuals to invent a machine that can produce snow back in 1950. While many people refer to this manmade snow as “artificial,” it is actually created in a similar manner to how Mother Nature produces “real” snow.
Snow machines utilize water and compressed air to propel tiny water droplets into the air. As these droplets encounter the cold air, they form ice crystals that fall to the ground as snow. Therefore, even if there is insufficient moisture in the air for snow, machines can generate snow on demand!
However, it still needs to be cold enough for the water droplets to crystallize into snowflakes. Machines also need to replicate the natural process of snow formation as closely as possible. When natural snow falls, the crystallization process is aided by dust and other small particles in the air. Modern snow machines release these same types of particles into the air, along with the water droplets, to facilitate the formation of snow crystals.
Of course, it is still possible to create something resembling snow even when temperatures are not cold enough. In extremely warm areas, ice is sometimes crushed into tiny pieces and blown into the air to simulate snow.
Modern ski slopes often feature manmade snowmaking machines that are expensive, costing millions of dollars, and rely on extensive underground water and compressed-air pipes. They can be used throughout the year to supplement natural snowfall, ensuring a more consistent snow level.
Unfortunately, skiing professionals point out that manmade snow, although produced in a similar manner to natural snow, is still different. They argue that manmade snow tends to pack together more tightly and thus becomes icy more quickly. This may be beneficial for ski racers, but those who prefer skiing on fresh powder say it is not the same!
Producing manmade snow can also be very costly, both in terms of money and resources. It can take up to 200,000 gallons of water and cost over $2,000 to cover one acre of ground with one foot of snow.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to have fun in the snowy weather? Make sure to explore the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Interested in creating your own artificial snow at home? Get a friend or family member to join you in trying out these enjoyable science experiments. Make sure to carefully read the instructions beforehand, as you might need to buy a few supplies from the store before you start. + Create Fake Snow + How To Make Artificial Snow
- What do you love doing on a snowy day? When you wake up and realize that there’s no school, the possibilities seem endless. Make a list of all the things that you think would make a perfect snowy day. Stick your list on the fridge so you can refer to it the next time you have a snow day!
- Imagine that you’re a scientist assigned with the task of saving money for ski resorts. You know how costly it can be to produce artificial snow. There’s the expense of water, compressed air, and the energy required to operate the machines. How can these costs be reduced? Is there a more efficient way to produce manmade snow? Brainstorm some ideas and share them with a friend or family member!
Interesting Sources
- http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/snow-sports/snow-maker.htm (accessed on 18th Dec. 2018)
- http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/8203snow.html (accessed on 18th Dec. 2018)
- http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/19/magazine/who-made-that-artificial-snow.html?_r=0 (accessed on 18th Dec. 2018)
FAQ
1. Can it snow when it’s not cold?
Yes, it is possible for it to snow when it’s not cold. Snow can occur when the temperature is slightly above freezing, as long as there is enough moisture in the air and the conditions are right. This phenomenon is known as “wet snow” or “warm snow.” It typically happens when a warm front meets a cold front, causing the warm air to rise and cool rapidly, resulting in snowfall. However, in most cases, snow requires temperatures below freezing to form and accumulate.
2. What are the conditions needed for snow to occur?
Snow requires specific conditions to form. Firstly, the temperature must be below freezing, generally around or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius). Secondly, there must be moisture in the air, usually in the form of water vapor. Lastly, there must be a mechanism for lifting the moist air, such as a low-pressure system or a cold front. When these conditions are met, the moisture in the air condenses into ice crystals, which then combine to form snowflakes.
3. Can it snow in warm climates?
While snow is more commonly associated with cold climates, it is possible for it to snow in warm climates under certain circumstances. In areas with high elevation, such as mountainous regions, snow can occur even in warmer climates. The higher altitude allows for colder temperatures, making snowfall possible. Additionally, during unusual weather patterns or extreme weather events, cold air masses can move into warmer regions, resulting in temporary snowfall. However, snow in warm climates is generally rare and short-lived.
4. Can it snow without precipitation?
No, snow requires some form of precipitation in order to occur. Precipitation is any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface. In the case of snow, the precipitation is in the form of ice crystals. These ice crystals form when the moisture in the air condenses and freezes. Without any moisture in the air, there would be no source for the ice crystals to form, and thus, no snowfall. Therefore, precipitation is an essential component for snow to happen.
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