It isn’t easy to gauge whether you are stepping on snow or ice in polar regions. The differences in their appearance are minimal, and a common assumption is that everything is ice because snow transforms into it.
Snow does not turn into ice. The two are very distinct from each other and have different properties. The formation of snow takes place in the atmosphere, but the formation of ice occurs on the surface. Snow is softer and fluffier, while ice is hard and slippery.
To understand the processes better, please continue reading the article.
What Is Snow?
Snow is a type of precipitation that forms naturally in low temperatures. It begins as water vapor and turns into snowflakes which accumulate to form layers of snow on the ground. The moisture content in snow can vary; based on this, snow is categorized into two types, dry snow and wet snow.
Dry snow has a low moisture content and is not compact. If put together by force, the snow falls apart. On the other hand, wet snow can easily be compacted, has a high moisture content, and retains its given shape.
Moreover, the color of snow can vary based on the environmental elements present at the time of the formation of snowflakes in the atmosphere.
Snow is seen as an integral part of the water cycle. It has long served as a freshwater source but has also been responsible for destruction in urban areas in the form of snow storms and blizzards.
What Is Ice?
Ice is in a different physical state than pure water. Ice formation is a natural process that occurs in large bodies of water. The molecules get closer together as the water temperature decreases, slowing their movements.
As a consistent decrease in temperature is experienced, the molecules begin to arrange in a crystal-like formation and finally turn into snow as the temperature hits 0 degrees Celsius.
Ice naturally occurs in polar regions and subfreezing temperatures.
Snow Formation
Snow formation is more complex than ice formation. Unlike ice, snow is formed in the atmosphere. As water vapors are exposed to low temperatures, they condense into water droplets, which later turn into ice crystals.
As more water vapor condenses, it comes into contact with the existing ice crystals, making them even bigger. Each ice crystal’s unique shape may change further depending on its exposure to moisture content and temperature.
As these ice crystals get heavier and cannot stay suspended in the air, they fall toward the ground and are called snowflakes. Snowflakes come in hexagonal shapes, but it is a widely known that no two snowflakes are alike.
As these snowflakes fall to the ground and thousands of snowflakes accumulate in one place, what is observed is referred to as snow.
For a visual understanding of this process, we encourage you to watch this Youtube video:
Does Snow Turn Into Ice?
Snow does not turn into ice. Both of these phenomena may appear similar but are very different in how they are formed. Due to their distinct formation processes, snowflakes can’t turn into ice. Snowflakes have unique shapes, while ice is in the form of sheets or blocks.
The only way that snow might aid in ice formation is if the snow melts. Melted snow may refreeze to form ice if it is provided with the right temperature and conditions.
Snow that has been compacted under the weight of more snow may appear to be similar to ice due to its texture and strength. However, this is different from ice. The snowflakes accumulate together to form bigger and coarser snowflakes, which accumulate to form snow layers.
This phenomenon is often observed in glaciers which consist of snow, ice, sediment, and rocks. Snow and ice are found together, further reiterating that snow and ice are different phenomena and one cannot turn into the other.
Properties Of Snow And Ice
Snow and ice are two very distinct naturally occurring phenomena, but they also have some common features. Below we discuss a few properties that are consistent across ice and snow and then some that set them apart.
- Low Density – Ice and snow both float on the water’s surface because they are less dense than liquid water. Since snow is less dense than ice, more snow can accumulate without tipping over a building, but a thick layer of ice can put a heavy weight on any surface and cause damage.
- Reflectivity – Due to their high reflectivity, snow and ice help maintain the Earth’s energy balance by reflecting a significant amount of sunlight into the atmosphere. The brightness of snow and ice, which can make them appear white, is also due to the reflectivity.
- Thermal Insulation – Snow and ice are both effective heat insulators; hence, they can aid in preserving and protecting objects or living things in chilly climates. Igloos and other snow shelters are frequently built using snow’s insulating qualities.
- Brittleness – Ice is a brittle surface, meaning that when put under force, it is easily broken or fractured. Due to this, ice can be hazardous to walk on, particularly when it is not thick enough to support a person’s weight. On the other hand, snow is not brittle and can be walked on. However, it still poses a risk of injury.
- Non-Compressibility – Ice is a non-compressible substance, making it difficult to squeeze or compress. Because of this characteristic, ice is perfect for use in applications that call for solid, rigid material, like the construction of ice rinks, skating arenas, or ice sculptures. Snow, however, may be compressed but does not give a solid surface as ice does.
Final Thoughts
While the component that makes up the two is the same: water, it is fascinating how the same ingredient can make two different things for the human eye to experience. However, if snow is reduced back to its original ingredient, it can change its form and turn into ice.
