Dreaming of a white Christmas? Many people look forward to new-fallen snow to add to the picture of the holiday season. How many, though, give thought to how snow actually forms?
Snowflakes are ice crystals that form in the clouds. Water vapor freezes and clings to the dust particles in the air. As the crystals group together, they form snowflakes.
Snowflakes are hexagonal crystals, meaning they always have six sides. Snowflakes can grow in different forms, including columns, needles, plates, dendrites, columns with plates, and irregular shapes. Complex shapes emerge as the flake moves through differing temperatures and humidity levels.
When snowflakes melt and refreeze they may come down from the sky in the form of a ball instead of a flake. These are known as graupel.
Snowflakes are unique in that no two are the same. Because they are ice crystals, they are also clear in color. However, when gathered on the surface of roadways or other items, they collectively reflect the light and give off that white hue.
A snowflake is often the universal symbol for winter or wintertime conditions. In Russia, people have long made paper snowflakes during the Christmas season and hung them in the windows. A snowflake also was the symbol of the winter olympics in 2002.
Although snowflakes are cold, snow can actually act as an insulator. The intricate shapes of snowflakes trap air in between the flakes as they pile up. These tiny pockets of air prevent air from circulating, thus preventing heat from being transferred by convection.
The winter cold weather turns our thoughts to the warmth in our home. A good way to keep the heat in your home is with the right insulated windows. If you are interested in the right window for your hoe this winter call us today at Clinton Fence. See us on the web www.Clinton Fence.com
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