What’s the difference between ice and snow? Aren’t they both frozen water?
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You are correct in the sense they are “frozen” water.
Snow flakes form around atmospheric condensation nuclei..basically a piece of dust, debris, etc. in the clouds. Once that process starts and the temp is right, the snowflake spreads on the path of least resistance, creating a unique, flat, but very brittle crystalline structure.
Ice, on the other hand, is formed by water molecules being set in a perfect crystalline structure. Its a beautiful site, molecularly. It also provides the tensile strength of ice. And hurts when you smack your face on it.
You are correct in the sense they are “frozen” water.
Snow flakes form around atmospheric condensation nuclei..basically a piece of dust, debris, etc. in the clouds. Once that process starts and the temp is right, the snowflake spreads on the path of least resistance, creating a unique, flat, but very brittle crystalline structure.
Ice, on the other hand, is formed by water molecules being set in a perfect crystalline structure. Its a beautiful site, molecularly. It also provides the tensile strength of ice. And hurts when you smack your face on it.
Ice is water that froze while it wasn’t moving, so it all froze together.
Snow is water that froze while it was moving, so it froze in tiny pieces.
Ice is water that froze while it wasn’t moving, so it all froze together.
Snow is water that froze while it was moving, so it froze in tiny pieces.
What’s the difference between water, and water poured through the blades of a fan? That’s the best analogue I can come up with.
What’s the difference between water, and water poured through the blades of a fan? That’s the best analogue I can come up with.
Ice is a frozen body of water, snow is frozen cloud. Mist, basically. Ice freezes in place. Snow freezes in the air and falls down.
Ice is a frozen body of water, snow is frozen cloud. Mist, basically. Ice freezes in place. Snow freezes in the air and falls down.
Ice is a frozen body of water, snow is frozen cloud. Mist, basically. Ice freezes in place. Snow freezes in the air and falls down.
Same stuff, snow is just full of air. Structure is different, think of a graphite pencil and a diamond. Same stuff, different arrangement.
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