Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: neilep on 02/02/2006 19:48:24

Title: Too cold to snow ?..what's that all about ?
Post by: neilep on 02/02/2006 19:48:24

Dear Science people,

I just heard (via my son) that in some parts of the world eg Antartica , that it's just too cold to snow.

Why's that then ?



Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!

Title: Re: Too cold to snow ?..what's that all about ?
Post by: daveshorts on 02/02/2006 20:55:09

The amount of water vapour air can hold drops quite fast if you drop below zero - as it has all condensed already. The idea is that if it gets cold enough there is hardly any moisture left to fall out so it can't snow.

I have been in Moscow at -18 or so and it was snowing very lightly (it was really beautiful at night as the flakes had grown very slowly so were very perfect and as they spun on the way down they would occasionally reflect the street lights into your eyes and seemed to sparkle.

Title: Re: Too cold to snow ?..what's that all about ?
Post by: neilep on 02/02/2006 21:48:19

Thanks dave...that's double pocket money for my son !

I really Must go to Moscow...your descrption of a snowflake in Moscow is wonderful....

Men are the same as women.... just inside out !!

Title: Re: Too cold to snow ?..what's that all about ?
Post by: tony6789 on 09/02/2006 16:08:47

It can be to cold to snow if it was too cold it wouldn't be snow it would be ice seeing as it would freexe more. but beening to cold could have nothing to do with it. it has to rain then the rain will freeze no rain no snow

- Big T