Shaping Of Snowflakes (Lesson for the day)

After reading a comment from a friend, I decided to do a bit of research about snow, and how it is formed.

Snow refers to forms of ice crystals that precipitate from the atmosphere, and undergo changes before hitting the surface of the Earth. It pertains to frozen crystallized water throughout its cycle, when suitable conditions happen. Each water droplet consists of about 10 water molecules.

Snowflake particles form in the atmosphere when they attract super-cooled water droplets. The droplets then grow by diffusion of water molecules in the air, and then onto the ice crystals surface. The corresponding depletion of water vapors, then cause ice crystals to grow, at the droplets expense. Due to their mass, the crystals collide and stick together, thus forming the snowflakes. The flakes vary in many shapes, such as hexagonal, platelets, needles, and columns.

Ever wonder how snow gets its white color? The white is due to the scattering of light, by the crystal facets and imperfections.

Many wonder why it doesn't snow when it is super cold outside. Snow falls when the temperature is 32 degrees or colder, and there is moisture in the air. No water molecules, equals no snow formation.

Pros of snow are: Winter sports, skiing, 4 wheeling, all kinds of snow playing. The snow feeds lakes and rivers, when it melts off. It gives an insulating layer to some plants and animals, so they can survive the winter.

Me making a snow angel.