Snow falls as a mesmerising white blanket but starts as tiny ice crystals high in the chilly sky. These crystals clump together, creating what we see as snowflakes. Snow is not just fascinating to look at—it’s also critical for many ecosystems, acting as a water source and even an insulating blanket for some plants.
Never use snow globes near children or pets, they contain lethal antifreeze, if smashed.
Ever heard the phrase “no two snowflakes are alike”? Each snowflake is indeed unique, shaped by its environment. The structure of a snowflake depends on the temperature and humidity it encounters. At warmer temperatures, snowflakes tend to be more intricate and larger. Meanwhile, extremely cold conditions create simpler, more robust shapes.
Snow comes in many forms, each with unique characteristics. Powder snow is light and dry, perfect for skiing. Wet snow is heavier, ideal for making snowballs. Crusty snow has a hard surface, often occurring after a warm day and a cold night. Each type affects how snow interacts with the world, from how it packs on rooftops to its impact on roads.
If walking dogs in snow, always rinse and dry paws with lukewarm water after, as rock salt can burn inside at higher temperatures.
How do Frost & Dew Differ from Snow?
Frost is simply frozen dew (and can kill outdoor plants, which is why most plants are started off inside or in greenhouses). If planting green spaces, learn how to make gardens safe for pets (includes indoor plants to avoid). Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
The Little Book of Snow
The Little Book of Snow is a lovely book of with fascinating insights, cultural lore and traditional wisdom about snow that falls from the sky. Is it true that no two snowflakes are the same? How many white Christmas days have we had? Do Inuits have dozens of words for snow? Can it ever be too cold to snow?
How to Defrost Car Windscreens
Rather than use toxic de-icing sprays, there are other solutions:
- Park your car undercover!
- Use a windscreen cover overnight (an old car mat will do).
- Use a manual scraper (as long as you don’t wake the neighbours).
- Park your car facing east (the early morning sun will melt the ice).
- Rub an onion on the windscreen the night before. The oil lines the glass, to stop freezing (keep onions away from pets).
Don’t use hot air inside cars, if babies/dogs are with you. Antifreeze is lethal to pets & wildlife, so let your mechanic change it in an enclosed space. If you do change it yourself, use a funnel (as with oil) and use sand or kitty litter to absorb spills (don’t mop).
The Science of Snow Formation
Snow forms when temperatures in the cloud are at or below freezing, and there’s adequate moisture to create ice crystals. However, the ground temperature also plays a role. Snow can fall when temperatures are just above freezing if the conditions in the atmosphere are cold enough to create and sustain these ice crystals.
Clouds are the stage for snowflake formation. When water vapour condenses and freezes around tiny particles in the air, ice crystals form. These crystals may merge, creating snowflakes. When they’re heavy enough, gravity pulls them down, and we see snow.
The Journey of Snowflakes
As snowflakes fall, they encounter wind and air resistance, which decide their speed and path. Wind can make snowflakes dance sideways or carry them long distances. This journey can result in a soft, even cover or a chaotic mound of snow, depending on other weather conditions at the time.
When snow lands, it begins to accumulate, blanketing the ground. This blanket of snow impacts the environment significantly. It insulates the ground, preserving plant roots during hard freezes. Additionally, when that snow melts, it provides essential water for rivers and streams.
From an ecological standpoint, snow is crucial. It acts as a water reservoir, supplying streams when it melts. Snow also provides insulation for seeds and plants, helping ecosystems survive cold winters. It’s a natural habitat for some species that have adapted to cold environments.
