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[The Science of Snow: From Atmospheric Formation to Mount Washington's Extreme Weather]-[Can snowstorms have thunder?]

But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids · B2 · 2024-02-23

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Decoding the Science of Snow

Snow is a fascinating weather phenomenon that captivates curious minds worldwide. At its core, snow is simply water vapor that undergoes a phase change, freezing into ice crystals within the atmosphere when temperatures drop below freezing. As meteorologist Seth Linden explains, the process requires two primary ingredients: cold temperatures and sufficient humidity. These tiny ice crystals form around microscopic particles like dust or pollen, eventually clumping together to grow into snowflakes that are heavy enough to fall to the ground.

Why Snowflakes Differ and Dazzle

While the popular saying claims no two snowflakes are identical, they do share common structural characteristics. Linden identifies four basic types: hexagonal plates, needles, columns, and the intricate, branching dendrites—the large, fluffy flakes most commonly associated with winter. These shapes are highly temperature-dependent, as the specific conditions within the cloud layer dictate the crystal's growth pattern.

Regarding the visual appearance of snow, its white, sparkly quality is a result of light physics. Although water is clear, ice crystals act as prisms, reflecting and scattering light across the spectrum. When these crystals reflect all colors simultaneously, our eyes perceive the result as white. The "snow sparkle" occurs when sunlight bounces off individual crystals, bending and scattering the light in various directions.

The Dynamics of Snowfall and Accumulation

Snow's behavior upon hitting the ground is determined by surface temperature. If temperatures are above freezing, the flakes melt upon contact. Conversely, when ground temperatures remain below freezing, snow accumulates. Over time, this fluffy, freshly fallen snow can transform into a "hard pack" as it sits and settles.

Linden also addresses common winter queries, such as the rarity of "thunder snow"—a phenomenon requiring an unstable environment with rapidly rising air—and the specific nature of "snow squalls." Unlike a broad, continuous snowstorm, a snow squall acts much like a summer thunderstorm, characterized by intense, localized bursts of snow followed by sudden breaks in cloud cover.

Living in the Clouds: The Mount Washington Observatory

To understand extreme winter, the podcast shifts focus to the Mount Washington Observatory in New Hampshire. Meteorologist Alexandra Branton describes the summit as a "unique laboratory in the clouds." Because the conditions are so severe—with winds often exceeding 100 miles per hour and wind chills reaching as low as negative 110 degrees Fahrenheit—automated instruments often fail, necessitating human observers to manually record data.

Living at the summit requires rigorous preparation, including the use of "layering" clothing and protective gear like balaclavas and ski goggles to prevent exposed skin from suffering in extreme wind chills. The observatory provides a rare opportunity for scientists to be inside the very weather systems they study, essentially experiencing "storm chasing" without ever leaving the office.

Encouraging Scientific Curiosity

Whether it is through creating weather models based on complex mathematical equations or observing the daily antics of the summit’s resident cat, Nimbus, the study of weather remains an endlessly fascinating field. Experts encourage children to explore atmospheric science by setting up home weather stations, building rain or snow gauges, or participating in citizen science projects. By understanding the physics behind the flakes, young learners can better appreciate the complex, chaotic, and beautiful system that governs our planet’s atmosphere.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I have lived all over the world, but something I once took for granted was just how beautiful Vermont looks when it snows.
2
I have developed an appreciation for snow.
3
But the bottom line is, you need two factors.
4
That's the key.
5
It's the same reason why you can have raindrops falling with sun shining through.
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📝Key Phrases

1
take for granted
2
split down the middle
3
self-proclaimed
4
at its base
5
the bottom line is
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📖 Transcript

Are you looking for the perfect books for summer reading?
Check out our But Why book series.
Our first book, Our Lama's Ticklish, answers kids questions about farms and the animals that live there.
And our second book, Do Fish Breathe Under Water, answers questions about what happens under the water's surface as we explore the landscape and animals that live in the sea.
Find out more at But Why Kids.org slash books.
Or ask for them at your favorite bookstore.

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