Snow often conjures images of fun or cozy days indoors, but there's much more to it than meets the eye.
Whether snow is part of your daily winter reality or just a distant fantasy, these intriguing facts will give you a new appreciation for this wintry wonder.
1. Snow Isn’t Actually White
Surprising as it may sound, snow isn’t truly white. Instead, snowflakes are semi-transparent. The "white" appearance comes from light reflection. Snowflakes’ multi-faceted shapes scatter light in all directions, creating the perception of whiteness. However, snow can also appear in other colors, such as black, orange, or blue, due to dust, pollutants, or cold-loving algae. Notably, "watermelon snow," a pinkish hue described by Aristotle, comes from algae containing astaxanthin, a pigment similar to what’s found in carrots.
2. Snowflake Shapes Depend on Temperature
The appearance of snowflakes is heavily influenced by the surrounding temperature. For example, needle-like ice crystals form at around -2°C (28°F), while flat, plate-like crystals emerge at -5°C (23°F). The shape of snowflakes’ intricate six-sided structures changes with fluctuating temperatures during snowfall.
3. Snowflakes Can Be Categorized
Andy Brunning, the creator of the blog "Compound Interest," has classified snowflakes into 35 distinct types, based on characteristics like column shapes, flat structures, branching, irregularities, or combinations of these traits.
4. Snowflakes Form Around Tiny Particles
Every snowflake begins with a core particle, such as dust or pollen. These serve as nucleation sites for ice crystals. Unlike sleet or hail, which form from freezing rain or accumulating ice, snowflakes grow through atmospheric processes, detectable under high-powered microscopes.
5. Giant Snowflakes Exist
Reports of massive snowflakes ranging from 2 to 6 inches in size have circulated for decades, with one alleged instance reaching 15 inches. While evidence remains scarce, scientists believe that giant snowflakes could indeed form under specific atmospheric conditions, though they often break apart during descent.
6. Snow Absorbs and Reflects Sound
Freshly fallen snow absorbs sound waves, creating a quiet, serene environment. However, if snow melts and refreezes, the resulting ice can reflect sound, making noises clearer and travel farther.
7. Hundreds of Words for Snow
While it’s often said that Inuit languages have 50 words for snow, Scots surpass this with 421 terms, according to researchers at the University of Glasgow. These include words like skelf (a large snowflake), spitters (windblown snowflakes), and unbrak (the onset of thawing snow).
8. Strict Definition of a Blizzard
Calling a heavy snowfall a "blizzard" requires meeting specific criteria. Visibility must be below 200 meters, and winds must reach at least 48 km/h (30 mph) to qualify as a true blizzard.
9. Snow on Mars
NASA simulations suggest sudden snowstorms could occur during summer in Mars's northern hemisphere. Evidence of clouds, underground ice, and snowfall on Mars has been observed, including CO₂ snow at the planet’s poles.
10. Monkeys Enjoy Snowball Fights
Humans aren’t the only mammals who enjoy snow. Japanese macaques, known as "snow monkeys," have been observed crafting and playing with snowballs. Younger macaques, in particular, seem to enjoy stealing and fighting over them.
11. Arctic Hysteria
Prolonged exposure to snow may lead to Arctic hysteria, a rare psychological condition reported among Inuit people in the Arctic Circle. Symptoms include nonsensical speech or reckless behavior, followed by amnesia. Initially thought to be caused by vitamin A poisoning, only eight cases have been documented, casting doubt on its validity.
12. Fear of Snow
Chionophobia, or fear of snow, is a real condition. Derived from the Greek word "chion" (snow), it can stem from traumatic childhood experiences but also triggers irrational responses, such as an immediate fear of being trapped or buried by snow.
13. Medicinal Snow
Famed explorer Ernest Shackleton carried unusual remedies during his polar expeditions, including marijuana for hysteria, diarrhea for snow blindness.
14. Singing Won’t Trigger Avalanches
Despite common myths, sound is not a significant factor in causing avalanches. Sudden snow accumulation, increased wind, or the weight of skiers are more likely culprits. A loud voice or singing won’t pack enough force to trigger one.
15. Snow Can Keep You Warm
Snow is 90-95% air, making it an excellent insulator. Many animals burrow into snow for hibernation, and igloos, which rely solely on body heat for warmth, can be up to 100°F (37°C) warmer inside than outside.
16. Snow Forms in Mild Conditions Too
Snow typically forms when the air temperature is near freezing, but prolonged rain can cool the surrounding air enough to create snow. This means snow can still fall even when ground temperatures reach 6°C (43°F).
17. Snowflakes Fall Faster Than You Think
While snowflakes can descend leisurely, their speed can reach up to 14 km/h (9 mph) depending on conditions. They collect moisture while falling, and wind can further hasten their descent. It takes about an hour for a snowflake to travel from the cloud to the ground.
Snow is more than just a winter wonder—it’s a natural phenomenon full of surprises, from its complex structures to its unexpected benefits. Whether admired from afar or up close, snow never fails to fascinate.
