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This process describes snow crystals forming from water vapor in clouds, creating the intricate shapes we see as snowflakes.
What is crystallization?
Reduced snowpack impacts water availability primarily during this season.
Summer
This phenomenon describes the loss of glaciers and perennial snowfields, contributing to sea level rise and ecosystem changes.
What is glacial retreat or glacier melt?
This type of snow forms when crystalline snowflakes fall during a snowstorm and is ideal for skiing.
What is powder snow?
The most critical survival priority in winter wilderness is to avoid this
What is exposure or hypothermia?
The process by which snowpack changes shape and density over time under different temperatures and weather conditions
What is metamorphism?
The primary cause of declining snowpack in mountain regions over the past century is increased.
What is Global temperatures ?
This instrument measures the density of snow by compressing a snow sample.
What is a snow penetrometer?
Snow that becomes dense and icy after melting and refreezing during a storm is called this.
What is granular or refrozen snow?
This principle guides the selection of the best site for a winter shelter—preferably on this type of terrain to minimize wind exposure and maximize warmth.
What is a sheltered, lee side location?
This property of snow—its ability to reflect sunlight—is crucial for regulating Earth's climate.
What is albedo?
Climate models predict that, with continued warming, snowlines in the Sierra Nevada will move to higher or lower elevations?
What is higher elevation?
This device measures the water content of snow.
What is a snow pillow or snow gauge?
Layered snowpack with weak bonds between layers increases the risk of this natural hazard.
What is an avalanche?
This is a common sign of hypothermia that you should recognize early and act on immediately.
What is shivering, confusion, or lethargy?
Why do some lakes and ponds freeze over in winter?
What is Because surface water cools and becomes denser, forming a layer of ice that insulates the water below?
Increased winter rainfall and decreased snowfall due to climate change can lead to this natural hazard becoming more frequent and severe.
What is flooding?
The process where snow turns directly into vapor is called this.
What is sublimation?
This type of snow has high water content and can cause wet slides or avalanches.
What is wet snow?
This term refers to the layering of snow with varying crystal sizes and densities, which can influence avalanche risk.
What is stratification?
The timing of snowmelt can influence the emergence of insects and the flowering of plants, affecting this ecological process.
What is phenology?
How does the albedo effect of snow influence Earth's climate?
What is Snow has a high albedo, meaning it reflects most sunlight, which helps keep the planet cooler. Reduced snow cover decreases albedo and can contribute to warming?
This term describes the total amount of water contained within a snowpack.
What is Snow Water Equivalent (SWE)?
How does the presence of impurities like dust or soot affect the melting of snow?
What is Impurities absorb more sunlight and heat, increasing melting rates and reducing snow albedo?
Which country hosts the world's largest ice hotel, built entirely from ice and snow?
What is Sweden (Jukkasjärvi)?